Albert Leans and Freeborn 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 Albert Lea Tribune has covered two local debates, created an archive of all election news online, and met with and endorsed candidates. All election news from this season can be found at www.albertleatribune.com/category/election2010. So research the candidates, 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.