The official reason to even hold a primary election and party caucuses is to select delegates to the parties’ national conventions, held in the summer before the general election in November.
The presidential primary is actually the most common way for voters to influence presidential selection.
In addition to elections for state and local offices, the primary voters choose who will choose the presidential candidate.
Both parties have complex formulas for how delegates are selected. Sound confusing? Just ask your local party chairman!
This year, there will be three candidates on the WV Democratic presidential ballot, although John Edwards has already dropped out.
The Republican Party already has a presumptive candidate in John McCain.
The most important reason to vote however is to determine political winners much closer to home. 
Local races for County Commission, School Boards, as well as state government impact most of us on a daily basis.
These are tough decisions.  How do you know who to vote for?  Choose the local issues that matter most to you.
Learn as much as you can about the candidate, their positions and their ideas.  Most importantly, search for the truth about core beliefs to guide you as you vote.
Most counties have early voting for those who have already made their choices or have difficulty getting to the polls on May 13th.
The early voting option is available through May 10th  at your County Courthouse.
Please remember, your vote is your voice and democracy is not a spectator sport.
 
Sharon Brinkman-Windle
 League of Women Voters
Morgantown, W.Va.