Why?

Sure, we know, people are busy. It was the day after Labor Day, the kids had to go to school, adults were rushing to work. We've heard all the excuses. And we agree, our lives are often rather hectic.

But, let's face it, we're not too busy to stop at Starbuck's for a cup of coffee. Or to grab lunch. Or watch a favorite television show.

So why is it that so many of us can't take 10 minutes to cast a ballot?

Voting is not only our right, it is our responsibility as citizens of the United States and as leaders in the fight for democracy.

In other countries, people have stood in line for hours -- sometimes after days spent walking to the polls -- to exercise their precious right to vote. How embarrassing that so many Americans won't take just a few minutes out of their day to exercise the same right and to set a proud example.

American troops are fighting -- and many are dying -- to protect our freedoms and to spread democracy to other nations where citizens are not as fortunate in their political systems.
In 1960, 63 percent of this country's electorate voted in the national election. By 1996, that figure had dropped to less than 40 percent. In local elections, we expect only a 15 to 20 percent turnout. If an override question -- something that hits voters in their wallets -- is on the ballot, perhaps another 5 or 10 percent will show up.

On Tuesday, a mere 8 percent of Dunstable voters showed up at the polls to vote in the 5th District congressional race. Only 9 percent voted in Hudson. Lowell saw a 19 percent turnout, Chelmsford and Shirley 20 percent, Dracut 23 percent, Ayer 15 percent, and Billerica 14 percent.

People often complain their vote is meaningless. Not true. Particularly when so few bother to cast a ballot. A slightly higher turnout could change the outcome of many local, regional and state races.

Lyndon Johnson once called voting "the first duty of democracy." What will it take to remind American citizens of the importance of that duty?
The primary results are in, tell us what you think of the town by town results.