It’s easy to forget, living in Albert Lea, we aren’t as sheltered as we feel. The warning sent out by Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer should be heeded. There is nothing worse than hindsight after a tragedy.

While Freeborn County and the communities found within its borders are not considered high target locations

for terrorist activity, it is best to always be alert &045; we live in a different world today than even a few years ago.

Suspious activities to watch for, passed along through Kiffmeyer’s office by the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management,, include unusual packages or containers, powders, liquids, or indications of tampering within a polling place. Unexplained odors are also something for which to be alert.

Dennis Distad, county auditor, said the potential of terrorist attack is very low here. The greatest threat he’s seen is an unruly voter unhappy with the candidates in various races. While that sounds pretty tame, one never knows when extra caution is warranted, so always being alert is the best tactic.

We are not suggesting every person who acts a little different is a terrorist, bent on destroying the American way of life. But just as you lock your door at night as a safety precaution, be aware of your surroundings when voting.