Educate yourself, use your voice
Columnists, Opinion
 By  Lauren Wester Published 
8:07 am Thursday, May 3, 2018

Educate yourself, use your voice

One question I have been asked and that honestly floats around in my own head sometimes is “How can I get more involved?” or “How can I know more about my community?” The answer is pretty straightforward: do your research, search your local paper, ask around, utilize social media. In short, educate yourself.

That same philosophy can be applied to those seeking to become more involved in the political realm, also. You can’t be a fully engaged citizen of your community if you don’t know who is running it, what they believe and what you would like to see them do.

With the upcoming June primary election, Franklin County has provided its citizens with opportunities to meet and learn about the candidates for local and statewide elections. These are important opportunities citizens need to take part in to be informed about what is going on in their local and state government.

I often hear people complain about issues going on in the community or problems they have with local leaders, and they ask what can be done about them. The solution is to become active.

Go to the political rallies or meet-and-greets. Ask questions. Find out what the candidates believe, decide who shares your values or views and support that person.

We have the right to vote – use it. Use your voice, and follow through with your actions.

Also on Franklin County Times
Meeting on Flock cameras is Aug. 17
Main, News, Red Bay
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
July 22, 2026
RED BAY — City councilmembers voted July 15 to table a proposed policy governing the city’s Flock Safety automated license plate reader (LPR) system. ...
Bonding beyond the music
Main, News, Russellville, ...
By Brady Petree For the FCT 
July 22, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE—For most people, the opportunity to meet their favorite musician is one that will most likely never come. However, 11-yearold Keifer Bond...
90 earn diplomas, GEDs at NWSCC adult education graduation
News
By Ella Seaton For the FCT 
July 22, 2026
MUSCLE SHOALS — Returning to school wasn’t always easy for Laprasia Smith. Raising five children, she recalls attending their sporting events with one...
Blood donations fall, straining local supplies
News
By Ella Seaton For the FCT 
July 22, 2026
As summer vacations and outdoor activities pull residents away from donation centers, local blood banks are facing one of their most difficult times o...
Decorated colonel offers tutoring help to NWSCC students
News
By Brinley Murray For the FCT 
July 22, 2026
MUSCLE SHOALS — Ed Yeilding is known for crossing the country faster than any known man. What you may not know about the highly decorated retired Air ...
Wholesale nursery opens retail market in Vina
Franklin County, News
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
July 22, 2026
VINA — After spending five years supplying independently owned garden centers across the region, The Nursery at Hurricane Creek has added a new chapte...
Man, 23, faces charge of attempted murder
News, Russellville
POLICE NEWS
Kevin Taylor For the FCT 
July 22, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — A 23-year-old man is facing an attempted murder charge following a Friday night shooting on the 500 block of Carroll Avenue Southeast. ...
3 face drug charges
News, Russellville
Kevin Taylor For the FCT 
July 22, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Three people are facing drug trafficking charges following two separate events last week. Members of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Offi...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *