The primary election is coming up on Tuesday, and eligible voters should get informed and take action by hitting the polls.

Liberal, conservative, something in between or something completely different, this country doesn’t operate properly unless its citizens participate.

It’s incredible to see clips on the evening news of new democracies where everyone is voting for the first time. People travel for miles to reach voting locations and look ecstatic about having the opportunity for their voices to be heard. Sometimes it’s something we take for granted in the U.S., but voting is key part of living in a democracy.

The other component is becoming informed, especially at the local level. David Hagen, Alex Mayfield, Marvin Repinski and Brian Staska are running for the Ward 2 seat on the Austin City Council. John Bhen, John Fossey and Randy Smith are running for the Soil and Water Conservation District supervisor in District 4. In the state and national races, Jim Hagedorn and Aaron Miller are facing off as the two GOP candidates to challenge DFL incumbent TIm Walz the First Congressional District. Several candidates are vying to challenge DFL incumbent Al Franken for his U.S. Senate seat.

Some will say the primary doesn’t really matter, but the primary will set the stage for the election, and it is also a chance for some of the lesser-known candidates to make a splash.

Every time an election comes around, there seems to be a large group of people who say they are going to vote, but they don’t like any of the candidates. Some will even say they plan to vote for the lesser of two evils. That should never be the case, and the primary gives the public a chance to put the best candidates on the final ballot.

Make your voices heard. Talk to people, do some research, and show up on Tuesday for the primary election.