Oct. 9--A favorite American pastime is, and always has been, grousing about our government.

From the White House to the courthouse, we enjoy the sport of second-guessing and arguing about what our elected leaders have done, or not done. From the streets of Baghdad to the road in front of our house, we know what the politicians should do, or should have done.

Unfortunately, far too few of us bother to show up on Election Day or primary day and have our say in who is making those decisions.

Today, in Durham and in Roxboro, among other municipalities across the state, voters have that chance.

In Durham, more than 120,000 people are registered to vote in today's ...