Austin and Mower County residents’ civic duty doesn’t start and stop at the voting booth. Beyond filling out a ballot on Tuesday, Nov. 2, voters need to do their best to be informed, vote with their best interests in mind, and then hold their elected officials accountable once in office.

In order for a democracy to work, voters need to look out for themselves. Being informed includes reading about candidates in the newspaper, attending debates and asking questions. The Austin Daily Herald and KSMQ-PBS TV are hosting a debate for Austin mayoral and Mower County sheriff candidates on Monday, Oct. 25 at 5 p.m. at the KSMQ studio on Riverland Community College Campus. This is a great opportunity for voters to hear about the issues. So listen to what they have to say, and vote accordingly.

Then, once the officials take office, continue to stay informed and make sure they carry through on campaign promises. Make it a point to call, write, e-mail or talk to those officials on the issues that matter most.

Voting is important. But become informed, apply that information in the voting booth, and write or call the national, state and local elected officials about the issues once they have taken office. After all, they work for the voter.