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Jane Sturtevant wrote that "As a citizen of the United States of America, it is your duty to exercise your right to vote" ("A citizen's duty," Forum, Nov. 3). A citizen should not be corralled into the voting booth simply because a serviceman or woman fought for that freedom.

Not every person supports any candidates' views; they may feel that all options are undesirable. Even if there are other political races one could vote on in addition to the presidential context, is it really wise to push others to the polls to just guess on their ballots?

Finding reliable information on candidates is not the easiest of tasks, and staying away from the polls may just be the most responsible thing a citizen can do if he or she does not know the real facts.

To encourage informed patriotic citizens, perhaps educational courses should be required before voting.

Kendra Carlson

Idaho Falls, Idaho