The two sides of the impeachment debate generally fall between those who believe that character doesn’t matter (or at least not much) in our highest elected officials, and those who believe character plays a significant role. Those who downplay the role of character believe morality is divorced from leadership, and that political power and expediency trump principle.

The other side believes the opposite. Moral leadership is seen as an essential element of the presidency. They believe character does count, and the rule of law does apply to the occupant of the highest office in the land.

What does this have to do with the November 3 elections? Certainly, political pundits are watching closely the effects of the President’s problems on political races nationwide. But at a deeper level, the cultural divide exhibited by the public’s reaction to the scandal is also being played out at every other level in society, including this fall’s elections.

With each voter’s guide I notice a growing gap between candidates on the most basic issues — sanctity of life, definition of marriage, homosexuality and alternative lifestyles, and government’s role in education. Increasingly the choices are clear and distinct. In the Governor’s race for example, there is a wide gap between the major candidates on education, partial birth abortion, and same sex "marriage."

There are several reasons why this year’s election is so critical. First, with open seats in nearly every statewide race — Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, and Treasurer – those elected will likely be in office for a good while, because the power of incumbency is so strong. It’s hard for challengers to combat the name recognition and resources that flow to incumbents.

Second, the next governor will have a big say in legislative redistricting in 2001. Redistricting lines usually are drawn to protect those people already in power. Those out of power then have an even more difficult time having their voices heard.

Third, the entire Minnesota House of Representatives and U.S. House of Representatives are up for grabs. Those elected will play a big role in making public policy decisions at both the state and federal levels.

These are reasons enough to get out and vote. But if you need added incentive, consider the fact that fewer and fewer people are taking the time to vote. As a result, those who do vote actually multiply the power of their votes. There’s a very real sense in which each person who doesn’t vote has "given" their vote to those few who take the time to go to the polls.

In the recent state primary elections, less than 20 percent of eligible voters actually voted. This was a record low turnout. The apathy and disillusionment represented in these low numbers should motivate not discourage pro-family people. Every primary voter’s vote was fivefold as important; they were in a sense voting for themselves and for four eligible voters who did not take the time to vote.

If we simply bemoan the direction our state and nation are headed and give in to apathy and disillusionment, our fears and concerns will only become a self-fulfilling prophecy. But when we step into the voting booth, we take the future of our state and nation in our own hands.

There is too much at stake and there are too many concerned people for us not to stay engaged and vote, let alone working on campaigns or calling and writing our elected officials. So, instead of following the crowd and becoming apathetic and disillusioned, we must redouble our efforts. We must remember our families and children and what is at stake. So, be sure to vote on November 3 — and bring a friend!