Despite the importance of the Nov. 2 general election, few, if any, political observers are predicting a record trek to the polls by the nation's registered voters.

There has been plenty of talk about the importance of the election, but it remains a big question mark how much that often-stated importance will be reflected in the number of eligible voters who actually cast ballots in about six weeks.

That isn't the way it should be, but it's an unfortunate fact of life both here and elsewhere throughout the nation.

Apathy reigns, and so does disgust over the course of the nation, as well as with the political and economic climates in the states.

Instead of determination by frustrated voters to do something to correct what they perceive to be wrong — by voting for people they feel are most capable of effecting positive change — many simply choose to stay home.

That projects the misguided notion that one person's vote really doesn't mean anything in the big picture.

Of course, that's wrong.

People here and throughout America should reflect on the situation that existed last weekend during Afghanistan's parliamentary elections.

While America's voters don't have to fear for their lives when voting, or when going to and from their polls, many brave Afghans cast their ballots despite threats by the Taliban that anyone voting or working at the polls would be targeted.

Militants struck with rockets throughout the country and launched scattered attacks on polling stations.

In the Taliban stronghold of Kandahar, voters ventured out in small groups despite rocket strikes and bomb blasts. A rocket in northern Baghlan province killed two civilians.

Throughout the country, people were determined to exercise their right to vote, despite the dangers — and even the possibility of death — that they faced.

An Afghan businessman concluded that his countrymen's determination to exercise their voting right stemmed from the fact that Afghans "are fed up with the Taliban; that's why they're coming out more and more, so they can get rid of the Taliban."

For Americans, voting doesn't require looking over one's shoulder to see whether danger lurks. It doesn't even require that voters be fully knowledgeable about the issues and the positions of the candidates — although such knowledge and preparation is desirable over going to the polls uninformed.

A massive voter turnout provides a clear picture of what Americans think is right or in need of change. A weak turnout, while deciding the various races, cannot be regarded as a clear indicator of the country's mood.

Unfortunately, most elections over the past 40 years have exhibited anemic turnouts — the kind of turnouts for which America can hardly feel proud.

People in some countries — not limited to Afghanistan — risk their lives to vote. In the United States, many registered voters offer up every excuse they can conjure up for not voting.

There's still time for that attitude to change, if the will exists to do so.

The question in these final weeks before Nov. 2 is whether that will occur.