Guest Commentary: Exercise Your Right to Vote

Gary Kovacic is . The mail in ballot-only election concludes Tuesday. Ballots MUST be turned into the City Clerk's Office at 240 West Huntington Drive by 8 p.m. to be counted.

By: Mayor Gary Kovacic

As the members of our know, there are really very few differences in the rights and obligations between United States citizens and non-citizens.

Most rights in the United States belong to everyone who lives here. The guarantees of equal protection and due process in the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution apply to all persons, not just citizens.  Similarly, all persons enjoy the rights of freedom of speech, free exercise of religion, peaceful assembly, petitioning the government for redress of grievances, trial by jury, and the many other rights set forth in our Bill of Rights.

As far as obligations, all persons have a duty to obey the laws and pay taxes.  Interestingly, all males (documented or undocumented) living inside the Untied States, age 18 through 25, are also still required to register with the Selective Service.

The additional legal responsibilities and rights that apply only to citizens are few, but extremely important. For example, citizens have the responsibility to serve on juries. While some people find jury duty to be no more than a boring burden, the constitutional right to trial by a jury of one's peers depends on the willingness of our citizens to serve as jurors when called.

Citizens have the additional right to run for public office. They also have the right, and I would argue the obligation, to cast an informed vote in elections.  Failing to exercise the right to vote and fulfill the obligation to cast an informed vote is failing to live up to the fundamental responsibility of being a United States citizen.

Serving our country and community and voting are the highest forms of civic virtue.  Arcadia's mail-in City Council election ends this Tuesday. Please take the time to exercise your right to vote in this election as a concerned, informed, and productive member of our community. 

I have been endorsed by the Arcadia Police Officers Association, the Pasadena Star News, and many of your Arcadia friends and neighbors. As a City Council Member and Mayor, I have demonstrated the experience, dedication, common sense, and independence to serve Arcadia well. My leadership abilities, strong work ethic, critical thinking skills, and legal training are proven qualifications to handle the complex issues that will continue to confront our community in the future. I would be honored to receive one of your two votes in this City Council election.

Thank you for your support and your vote on or before April 10.