As many of you are reading this article, a historic election is in progress in St. John Parish. Others will read this after the polls have closed, and our new parish president will have been elected. For the first time, St. John will have an African American as their parish president.

The runoff between Mr. Dale Wolfe and Mrs. Natalie Robottom didn’t create much interest among the white voters. Some chose to pick a candidate and worked hard. Many, on the other hand, said they would not vote.

In the past, black voters have had a history of not participating in second primary elections. This election will see a reverse; the white voters will vote less than the blacks.

I, for one, will not be in that number that decides to stay home and neglect their responsibility to participate in the democratic process of electing our political leaders. I will be one of the first to vote this Saturday. I refuse to let the results of the primary election quench my passion for getting involved in politics. The word “politics” is not a dirty word. It’s the mechanics of government.

Yes, Saturday night at 8 p.m. the people will have spoken. The next parish president will serve for less than two years.

Next year, another election will be held. I will be involved as I encourage everyone to be active in all elections. Sometimes I forget that regardless of who wins, God is still in control. I sometimes wish He would consider my opinion, but He doesn’t. His plan for each one of us is a perfect plan. He doesn’t need our help, but I think He expects us to be responsible for choosing people to govern us.

To the victor, I say: Congratulations!

To the other person, I say: Thanks for participating.

To the registered voters who didn’t vote, I say: Be reminded that you do not have a right to criticize. You gave up your voice in the process.

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call (985) 652-8477, or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.