Chronicle Editorial

Connecting our cultures
     Local residents will have a unique opportunity to celebrate the community’s diversity June 4 during Gran Festival in Hampton. The new event was spearheaded by La Luz Hispana to showcase local Hispanic culture through music, food, games and other fun events.
     The street festival is a great opportunity to strengthen community relationships and get to know your neighbors. Though some residents may hold reservations about unfamiliar cultures, Gran Festival will provide an open environment to let your guard down and try something new. From dancing and live music to kids’ train rides and inflatables, there will be something for everyone.
     The benefits of Gran Festival are two-fold. The event was created to raise money for the brand new Citizenship Learning Center (CLC), which will provide materials, information and assistance to legal immigrants that need help with the naturalization process. That, too, will benefit the community by helping these individuals assimilate to America and get a solid foundation. No program like that exists in the region, and it has the potential to create a significant impact.
     We encourage Franklin County residents to check out Gran Festival this Saturday. Like the fair, Summerfest and other events, celebrations like this one are entirely dependent on the community’s involvement and help. With a little luck and a lot of support, Gran Festival could transform into an annual tradition commemorating our community’s ever-changing cultural diversity. Help make it a success by heading downtown Saturday for an afternoon of family-oriented fun.
 
Primaries matter – vote June 7
     With the nonstop commotion over the presidential campaign, it would be easy to forget the upcoming June 7 primary election. However, it’s important to head out next week and make your voice heard.
     Primaries typically get a cold response from voters. In order to participate, you have to be a registered member of the party in which you plan to vote for. That stipulation automatically excludes independents from the process and leaves decision-making up to the most far-right or far-left voting blocs. However, Iowans can bypass this hurdle by simply changing their party affiliation prior to the election. You can switch it right back afterwards, so there’s no strings attached.
     Another facilitator of turnout are Iowa’s voter registration laws. You can register to vote on the same day of the election, which is great for folks who are simply too busy to make a trip to the county courthouse. You can also register online by visiting the secretary of state’s website.
     Despite these options, the primary election will probably see dismal turnout with few surprises. Iowans should realize June 7 marks their first opportunity to set the tone by voting for their favorite candidate. If you’re sick of an incumbent, vote for their competitor. If you like your current representatives, show it by supporting them. Either way, don’t wait until November. Your choices will be far fewer by then.
     The primary doesn’t have the flare and attention like a general election, but it plays a vital role in the democratic process. Whether you’re Democrat, Republican or something in between, get out and vote next Tuesday. Your ballot will help select our future leaders in every level of government. Don’t ignore that responsibility.