Finding an excuse to get out of doing something we’d rather not do is easy. We are good at thinking of a reason to avoid jury duty. We are good at finding a reason not to contribute to a charity.

But when it comes to voting, we excel at finding excuses. Local or state elections have become something to avoid, dismiss or ignore all together.

When 25 to 30 percent of registered voters taking part in a local election thrills officials, there is a disconnect between what we are doing and what we are called to do as citizens.

Among the things that make our society — our country — great, is the opportunity we have to vote and change the direction of our leadership simply by checking a box, pulling a lever or having our ballot scanned.

There are no surprise, pop-up elections in our country. Election days are scheduled months and years in advance so that candidates have ample time to run for election and solicit support and so that voters have time to learn about the candidates and issues facing our community before casting their vote.

Next Tuesday, Mississippi will host a primary election. Statewide and local elected offices will be on the ballot.

Locally, there are three races that have primaries, each involving Board of Supervisor offices. In District 1, two candidates are vying for the Republican Party nomination to challenge incumbent John Arnold in November.

In District 3, three candidates — including incumbent Charles Selmon — are battling for the Democratic nomination. David Sharp, an independent, is awaiting the winner in November’s general election.

In District 4, incumbent John Carlisle and Marty Crevitt are battling each other for the Republican nomination, while Dr. Jeff Holland, an independent, awaits in the general election.

Although those three races will not decide who sits on the Warren County Board of Supervisors for the next four years, they will significantly shape November’s races and could shake up the leadership of the board.

We, as residents of Warren County, need to go to the polls and vote, even if we live in areas other than District 1, District 3 and District 4.

There are still primaries to be decided in the race for the state’s constitutional offices, such as governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state and more.

Our votes count. Your vote counts. And it is our right and privelege— as Americans and Mississippians — to cast these votes in the primary and general elections.

The decisions made by our elected leaders shape the direction of our community. Let your vote shape who makes those decisions.