In the last two elections, we saw the power of the voter in Pennsylvania. Some corrupt legislators retired, rather than face the voters. Others lost re-election. For the first time a Pennsylvania Supreme Court justice was removed from office by the voters. Long-standing school board directors and county commissioners lost primaries. But many corrupt, self-serving politicians remain in office.

In 2006, less than half of the 9 million eligible Pennsylvanians actually voted.

It has been said that the pen is mightier than the sword. Voting is the citizen's power of the pen. Voting is your power to force change. Voting is your power to hire honest legislators who serve you. Voting is your power to fire the ones who make decisions you do not support.

Voting is the only way we have to clean up local, state and federal governments.

Your choice is not limited to the names on the ballot. Write in the name of a person you want, when the names on the ballot are not acceptable to you. You do not have to vote a single party. You may select by the merit of each individual seeking office.

You must register by Oct. 9 to be able to vote in the November election. Go to the county courthouse for a form or go online to the Pennsylvania Department of State Web site to register online.

Use your power, vote!

Cynthia J. O'Hora,

Shamokin Dam