The presidential political season has begun. It seems you can't turn on the TV or radio or go on the Internet without being bombarded by political news and who is ahead in the polls. It is a very important time in our country. We get to choose our nation's next leader. Although voting is not mandatory, it is gift and a right not all countries in the world are privileged enough to have.

Even though our Pennsylvania primary is a few months away, it is time to start paying attention to the candidates and making choices. But how to weed through all the ads, propaganda and opinions to be able to make an informed decision? It doesn't matter which party you follow, the process is the same.1Look at where the candidates stand on issues that matter to you. Look at which issues will most affect you or your business. There are websites available where you can take a quiz and it will match you up with the candidates who stand where you stand with important issues. It might surprise you who it comes up with.2Steer clear of propaganda. This is a doozy, and almost impossible to steer clear of, but at least be able to recognize what is propaganda and what is fact. So much of the information we receive through media outlets and social media is propaganda. Try to determine what is fact and what is opinion.3Look at independent websites, not just the candidate's websites, for where they stand on issues.4Don't vote based on who your neighbor votes for. Make an independent, informed choice. Even if your favorite candidate is not leading in the polls, still cast your ballot for whom you like. No vote is a wasted vote.5If you have children who are old enough to vote, make sure they are registered. Introduce them to the process of voting. It will become a lifelong obligation and privilege. If your child is away at college, make sure they obtain absentee ballots so they are able to cast their vote in both the primary and the general election. Deadlines for absentee ballots are April 25 and Nov. 7, respectively. Requests for absentee ballots are available online.6Be informed but vote from your gut and your heart. Look at each candidate and ask yourself is this person a good, honest person? Do they have the experience to lead this country effectively? They will be the person who will be representing America to the world, and what image will they portray of America. Are they worthy to represent this great country?7Most importantly VOTE! We are so fortunate to have this privilege and the ability. Don't waste it. Too many times I hear people complaining or promoting candidates, but when asked, they have never voted or aren't even registered. Get registered now so you are able to vote in the primary and general election. You must be registered to vote by March 28to vote in the primaries. You can register online, at any Pennsylvania Department of Transportation driving center or through the county office.Even though the presidential election is foremost in most of our thoughts now, don't forget or ignore local elections either. Too many times I hear of people who vote only in the national elections and not the local. Your state, county and local officials make more decisions that affect you or your business directly.The Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a breakfast seminar at 8

a.m.Wednesday at the Tamaqua Community Arts Center located at 125 Pine St., Tamaqua. It is sponsored by Air Products and Chemicals. Special guests are Sen. Dave Argall and Rep. Jerry Knowles, who will be giving us an update on what is happening in Harrisburg. They will also be available for questions. The cost of the seminar is $8 for Chamber members and $10 for nonchamber members. All are invited to attend. For registration, please contact Vanessa Gerhard at the chamber office located at 114 W. Broad St., Tamaqua, or call 570-668-1880 or email her at chamber@ tamaqua.net.