Dear Editor:

Please do your part to curb the opioid crisis and crime in Coles County; vote in the primary, Monday.

Modeled after DuPage County, Ill. and Elkhart, Ind. programs that have dramatically reduced the jail recidivism rate, we have, since March 2016, had the privilege of volunteering to go into the jail to teach classes three weekdays per week, as well as allow ministers to continue to visit Saturday mornings, under the auspices of Sheriff Jimmy Rankin.

Please do not sit out the primary and allow others to do for you, what brave citizens have fought and died for, since the earliest days of our nation.

Statistics indicate many do not bother to vote in primaries assuming those in office will retain their place on the ballot, choose rather to wait for the “real” election, or vote only when it’s a presidential election year.

During the Illinois primary, you are permitted to only vote one party’s ballot. However, regardless of your previous or present party affiliation, you may select any party ballot you choose. Let your voice in your community be heard — vote. And vote to be part of the solution. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Coles County Mentoring Program

Joan Daugherty, formerly Booth Library, James Irwin, formerly Human Resources and ITS
EIU Annuitants