With elections around the corner we are all being inundated with advertisements from both ends of the political spectrum.

All the focus seems to be on the candidates when the most important people in any election are the voters. That’s right — you are the most important part of this election.

Too often we forget that voting is not only a right but a way to empower ourselves.

Our vote represents our beliefs and our hopes for our nation. It is also an opportunity for us to tell those leading our country what we expect them to be doing.

It isn’t just about what is happening in Washington, DC. The right to vote can influence what happens in your backyard. Each time you vote you empower yourself, and you make sure that your opinion matters.

Take the first step to empowering yourself and register to vote today. To learn more about how to register visit The Arc’s We’ve Got the Power website at www.thearc.org.

 Help support The Arc at Younkers Community Day

Purchase a Community Days booklet and show your support for The Arc Mower County.

Booklets are loaded with fantastic offers that will be available at the Bon-Ton family of stores during the Community Days event on Nov. 9 and 10.

Each booklet includes a $10 off coupon that can be used on an item priced at $10 or more, a value worth double the $5 price of the booklet. For every booklet we sell, we keep the entire $5 purchase price.

The coupons in the booklet can be used at any Bon-Ton, Bergner’s, Boston Store, Carson’s, Elder-Beerman, Herberger’s, Detroit-area Parisian or Younkers store or online for purchases of regular, sale price and clearance items, including 10 percent off electronics, fashion watches, furniture and mattresses.

The timing couldn’t be better to get a jump on your holiday shopping. Contact The Arc to purchase your coupon booklet by calling 507-433-8994.

 Upcoming Events

•Friday: Halloween Spooktacular Party, from 6 to 8 p.m.

•Dec. 7: Christmas Festival, from 5 to 9 p.m. Event includes, dinner, dancing, prizes, karaoke and more.

•April 6, 2011: 3rd Annual Taste of Mower County, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Jamey Helgeson is the Program Director at The Arc Mower County and can be reached at jamey@arcmowercounty.org or by calling 507-433-8994, Extension 102. You can also visit our website (www.arcmowercounty.org) and follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/arcmc).