Countless film and TV show plots culminate with the immortal line: Speak now or forever hold your peace.

How many fictional weddings have been interrupted by someone’s answer to that line?

That’s when the hero or heroine jumps up and stops a character from making a huge mistake — by marrying some chump, generally someone the audience already doesn’t like.

Well, today, our country will have its own wedding ceremony of sorts. And, if you’re a voter, you have much on the line. You can be the hero.

For the next four years, taxpayers will be “hitched” to the man we select today.

Barring some surprise by perennial hopeful Ralph Nader, our new president will either be Democrat Barack Obama or Republican John McCain.

If you like or dislike one of them, now is the time to speak up. Doing so is simple: just get out and vote.

The election is not over yet, despite what some national pundits may say, the most important part happens today.

Candidates have spent hundreds of millions of dollars seeking to get your attention. Hopefully, this morning, you’ll realize that just one day every four years, your country asks for your help. Today is the day.

Vote now or forever hold your peace. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Mississippi and 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Louisiana.