Given the number of yard signs, flyers and advertisements appearing of late, we all should be aware of the upcoming primary election. A mere three weeks from today -- Aug. 5 -- is when Kansans get to narrow the party fields down to one candidate each for November's general election.

Historically speaking, Kansas voters tend to stay home for this first round of voting. The primary election in 2000, for example, was 27 percent. In 2002 it was 26 percent; 30 percent in 2004. The last primary contest in 2006 drew a lackluster 18 percent statewide, according to the Kansas Secretary of State's office.

Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh blames the diminishing number of candidates in large part for the participation rate.

"Particularly in the primary, there are fewer contested races now than we've ever had before," Thornburgh said. "As the number of contests are declining, you're seeing a decline in voter turnout."

By and large we'd have to agree with the secretary of state. Even though Ellis County can boast a number of contested primary races this year, it's the norm for most office-seekers to not have an opponent until the general election.

But this does not excuse citizens from performing one of the most basic rights bestowed upon them via the representative form of government. As a nation, we have become much too lax in our civic responsibility.

Perhaps we can make a difference as a state this summer. Discuss the upcoming elections with your friends and family. Find out if they're planning to vote. Find out if they're even registered to vote.

If they're not, remind them they have until Monday to do so. All they need do is stop by the local county election office. It's a rather simplified procedure.

It also is worth their time. After all, our elected officials should be representing the majority of the populace -- not the majority of 18 percent who bothered to cast their vote.

Editorial by Patrick Lowry

plowry@dailynews.net