Kansans go to the polls today for the primary election — that is, some go, but probably too few. Unfortunately, this primary is the sort of election that invites excuses. The presidential nominations are secured, and many incumbents are unopposed in races for seats in local and state government.

But our democracy is like a fragile plant. Even if deeply rooted, it must be cultivated. And if voters do not care enough to tend it, if they fall into the habit of letting the work be done by others, the plant dies.

The cure is to form a different habit among voters, a habit of discipline and commitment to show up at the polls, no matter how dull or exciting the races on the ballot.

But this is not an endorsement of voting simply as a ritual of rote citizenship. All elections have their interest, and this one certainly does.

In fact, one of the most-watched races statewide is right here. It is the three-way GOP primary to select a challenger to face Democrat Dennis Moore in the state’s 3rd Congressional District, which includes eastern Lawrence. Political handicappers expect the race between today’s winner and the incumbent to be one of the nation’s most hotly contested in the House this year.

Douglas County voters have choices to make in at least a dozen other primary races ranging from a Lawrence businessman’s challenge to U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback to races for township trustees. There are selections to be made both by Democrats and Republicans. Independents get a voice, as well, as unaffiliated voters will be permitted to cast ballots in Democratic races. To vote in GOP contests, they must declare themselves Republicans at the polls.

Despite the important choices to be made, some still will argue a vote doesn’t make a difference, is a waste of time. But failing to vote doesn’t express dissatisfaction with the process or with the choices so much as it indicates simple disinterest in the future.

Consider this: Though your voting record is private, the fact you did or did not vote is public information. And if you think that does not matter, you are wrong. Candidates and political parties use that information to determine which groups of voters, which regions, which parts of cities, are important and which are less so.

Other reasons: Studies show the likelihood of a person being a regular voter is related to how often their parents voted. In other words, if you don’t vote, your children don’t either. Hence, your vote is not just for a candidate, but for your children and for the future of our democracy.

So, ignore the naysayers who say voting is a waste of time. They are irrelevant, not the democratic process. If you doubt that, consider the things important to you — perhaps the list includes the schools your children attend, your parents’ health, the water you drink — and look at where at least some of the control over those issues lies. That should lead you to the ballot box.