While most of the stories grabbing today’s headlines are about the economy (… stupid!) or the war in Iraq there’s other (some might even say more “weighty”) issues being decided as Americans go to the polls today to exercise their “God-given, constitutionally-affirmed” right to vote.

Across the USA, localities and states are asking voters to consider initiatives intended to advance or restrict the sale of alcohol (some, of course, being slightly more progressive than others).  For example, in McLouth, Kansas, voters are being asked to decide on the following question:

“No retailer’s license shall be issued for premises within the city of McLouth, Kansas, for the sale of retail alcoholic liquor in the original package.”

I read it twice and still said, “Huh!?”

I’ve since learned that for the last 70 years McLouth was “dry” thanks to a local ordinance prohibiting alcohol sales within 1000 feet of a church, school or post office.  “Since McLouth is about 1,000 feet across, it’s tantamount to excluding a package retail store anywhere within the city,” said Tuck Duncan, a local attorney.

In a radical move, Kansans enacted a new state law last year allowing stores to open as long as they were not within 200 feet of such establishments.  Many in McLouth feel that’s taking things a little bit too far, all little bit too fast.

But, a local package store owner, who opened up after last year’s state law change, has undertaken his own political campaign replete with yard signs, banners, and mass mailings (McLouth’s population is about 870 brave souls) to encourage voters to vote “no” on the question.  Why?  A “yes” vote means he’d have to close the store that he opened just a year ago.

If voters turn down liquor stores in McLouth, the retailer will have 90 days to close his business.

Only in America!!!!!

Interesting stuff, but it’s not the only thing being decided today. Others include:

• In Massachusetts, voters are deciding to allow the sale of wine in grocery stores.
• In Anderson County, Tennessee, voters will determine whether or not to allow the sale of “liquor by the drink” or at package stores.
• In Oklahoma, voters are being asked to change the law that prohibits the sale of alcohol while people are voting. As it is now, liquor stores close on Election Day, but some reopen when the polls close - and often have a line of customers waiting for them …

… there are similar measures being consider elsewhere, as well.

Regardless of who you support or what your views are be sure to exercise your right to vote.  It’s really important to let your views be known and voice be heard!!  It’s what makes this country great.