If you're not part of solution, you're part of the problem.

Next Tuesday is election day, and sadly only a very few of us are expected to go to the polls to cast votes.

Complaining has become a part of the political landscape, and for too many Americans, making complaints is about all they can get themselves to do. Only about three in ten registered voters cast ballots in last month's primaries, with 70% staying at home or wherever it is they hide themselves. They couldn't trouble themselves to vote. They should be ashamed.

Voting is not just a right, it's a duty. We Americans have the greatest country on earth, with a participatory democracy that is envied by people in other countries. But when we fail to vote, we allow the election results to be skewed to the smaller group of people who stay active. Voters get what they want, non-voters get what they deserve.

The polls are open on Tuesday, from 7 am until 8 pm. Dorchester voters have a chance to make a difference- if only we bother to get up, get out and do our duty.

There are several candidates on the ballot Tuesday who deserve our support, and who can make a difference in the lives of people.

We have been impressed with Senator Jack Hart, the South Boston man who won a special election to the First Suffolk Senate seat last February. Since then, that district has been broadened to include all of Dorchester, and it was this newspaper's position that our community should field a candidate. But Senator Hart has been heartfelt and sincere in reaching out to all the new neighborhoods in the district, and truthfully he has a chance to be one of the most effective State Senators in the Commonwealth. Jack Hart deserves to be elected to a full term.

A similarly effective legislator is Marie St. Fleur, the tough former prosecutor who provides such a strong voice in the House. We support both these leaders, each of whom are facing opponents next week.

Also on Tuesday's ballot is a remarkable Boston attorney who is seeking election as District Attorney. Eddie Jenkins is a Holy Cross graduate and former New England Patriot football player who has practiced law in our neighborhoods for two decades. Jenkins has received quiet but growing support from many quarters, and he has been endorsed by the former District Attorney, Ralph Martin. At a time when there is a growing concern about street crime, Eddie Jenkins seems the right man to bring a new and aggressive approach to prosecuting criminals.

Say what you will about the governor campaigns- we really have not found out too much about the two major party candidates other than both candidates seem to enjoy attacking each other. The negative campaigning is a bad mark against both. But we believe strongly that Shannon O'Brien will be far more responsive to the concerns of our neighborhoods than would her opponent. Shannon O'Brien deserves our support.

There are three statewide ballot questions, and here's how we will vote:

Question 1- No

Question 2- No

Question 3- No

Voters in two local rep districts, the 13th Suffolk District- which includes large parts of wards 13,15 and 16- and the Fourth Suffolk, will also be asked to vote on a non-binding question asking their opinion on the decriminalization of marijuana. The proposed change would remove criminal sanctions for possession of less than one ounce of pot. A Yes vote would approve the measure, a No vote would support the status quo. Unfortunately, there has been little debate over this measure and many persons may simply gloss over it. Voters should give this question careful consideration.

- Ed Forry

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