Bermudians must realise the value of the vote because it is one of the most effective tools in a democracy.

And until this power is exercised consistently, there can be little hope of making improvements in the way Government conducts its business.

Gina Payne Scott, niece of Democratic congressman Donald Payne, who is also chair of the Black Caucus, shared these thoughts with The Royal Gazette this week.

Last month Ms Scott travelled to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago where she rubbed shoulders with high ranking members of the US political party including Senator Bill Bradley, Rev. Jesse Jackson and congresswoman Maxine Walters.

As a guest of the New Jersey delegation, Ms Scott, an American who is married to a Bermudian, also met First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton.

And she said the experience underscored the need for people to get out and vote.

"It's amazing to see the power of the democratic process,'' she said.

"Ordinary people can affect change right here in Bermuda. Everyone can affect change if they exercise their right to vote. Abstaining should not be an option.'' Although she attended the 1992 convention, Ms Scott said that last month's meeting was even more special because it aims to re-elect President Clinton for a second term.

"We have not seen a Democratic president elected to a second term for a long while,'' she said. "But the Republican ticket is a weak one because they don't have a clue how the average person lives.

"Mr. Clinton does have a clue and has been working hard on such issues as education, training, safety and gun control.'' The election campaign is gathering momentum as November approaches and Ms Scott said that she believed the Democratic Party's focus on humanitarian issues will propel it to victory.

"I was bought up with the values which say that you do not walk by people who are in need of help,'' she added.

CHICAGO THRILL -- Gina Payne Scott and First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton.