The words “politics” and “civics” get used interchangeably, but they have different meanings.

Politics is defined as the activities associated with the governance of a country or other areas. It is the process of making collective decisions in groups, determining how power, rights, and resources are distributed within a society. It involves negotiation, competition, and cooperation to manage public affairs and resolve conflicts, answering who gets what, when, and how.

And even if you say you aren’t “political,” we are all affected by politics, from the city council race to the presidential candidates. And ultimately, politics is about obtaining power and an “us” versus “them” mentality. 

“Civics” also involves everyone but puts everyone on the same page: it is the duties and responsibilities of a citizen. Civics teaches how government systems function and how individuals can actively participate in democracy through voting, volunteering, and staying informed. Through civics, you know your rights, such as free speech - including protesting - and voting - whether it is the primaries or general elections or special elections.

Civics includes responsibilities such as obeying laws, paying taxes, and jury duty. Civics supports an understanding of local, state, and federal government branches and how they make decisions.

And perhaps most importantly, civics encourages active citizenship: Participating in community life, such as volunteering or engaging in political discussions.

It would be hard to not notice that we are in the midst of a political season with all the yard signs around our community. But we are also in the midst of an increased civics season. 

For example, poll workers are always in high demand. It takes a lot of people to conduct an election. We are blessed in our small towns that long lines are usually not an issue. You can usually just walk right into your polling station, get your ballot and be out within five to 10 minutes. But fewer poll workers means fewer polling stations which could translate into longer lines that you see in bigger cities. 

I am a poll worker and enjoy seeing a steady stream of people walking through the door to exercise their right to vote. Even though we may not agree on all the issues or the candidates, I appreciate seeing people doing their civic duties…plus I get to hand them a pencil.

If you have ever wondered how you too can become a poll worker, contact your county clerk’s office for more information. I don’t know if there is still time to become one for the primary election, but it is worth a phone call to be able to spend the day hanging out at the polls. Plus we bring lots of snacks to our site.

Another way to become civically engaged happens just next week with a candidate’s forum in McCook on Tuesday, April 14, at 7 p.m. at the McCook Senior Center. Because it is hosted by the Gazette and KICX, the forum will be broadcast live on KICX/96.1 FM and KBRL/1300 AM with a follow-up in the newspaper.

As far as I know, all candidates have been invited to attend the event, which will feature a panel of local leaders asking questions. This is a great way to learn about the candidates, what they stay for, and why they are running. 

If you can't attend or listen to the forum or don’t feel all your questions are answered in the news article, reach out to the candidates to learn more. If they really want your vote, they are going to want you to know more about them. And if they won’t respond, that is a sign too. 

If you do see a candidate, whether shopping at the grocery store or at church, tell them thank-you for running. Again, you may not agree with them on every issue, but it takes effort, money and time to run for a political office, especially with that many yard signs. It takes determination to put yourself out there for scrutiny about your beliefs and your background, hence why so many people don’t run for office. 

And finally, don’t forget to vote. The last day for voter registration is May 1 with the primary on Tuesday, May 12.  You may not consider yourself political but everyone has a civic duty for a fully functioning - and thriving - community.