My dictionary defines a republic as “a government in which supreme power resides in a body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by elected officers and representatives responsible to them and governing according to law.” The United States is supposed to be such. We declare this every time we say the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Millions of worthy Americans have given their lives to build this great nation and keep it free.

No matter what a person’s political persuasion, it is his or her solemn moral duty to participate by going to the polls and voting. We owe it to the many who have gone before us.

We have constantly been assaulted by a barrage of arguments from all sides regarding the current referendums. The often-abused freedom of the press remains one of the country’s great strengths. The lies and half-truths on the many issues abound and frequently insult a person’s intelligence.

This is the people’s opportunity to agree or disagree with the positions of their representatives. The results of this election will have an impact. Every vote does count. People should vote for their personal convictions, regardless of what others say or think. It is time to make their will known.

No matter the outcome, people cannot criticize the results unless they have voted. They should listen to their conscience and convictions and cast votes they can live with. Americans need to stand and be counted. The nation’s freedom and future depend on it.

Elbert Derick, Wales