This week we’re marking the 14th annual Free Speech Week. Initiated by The Media Institute, a nonprofit foundation specializing in communications policy and the First Amendment, the event aims to raise awareness about the importance of freedom of speech and of a free press in our democracy.

The First Amendment, along with the rest of the Bill of Rights — nearly 230 years old — is worthy of celebration. This year, event organizers are promoting themes of respectful expression and unity at a time when speech has often been used as a divisive force. How to celebrate? Exercise your right to speak up with a civil online post, a bumper sticker or even a letter to the editor.

Early voting off to a good start

A poll worker attending to the early voting at Honolulu Hale said the traffic of those coming in to cast ballots in the ground-floor courtyard might be twice as heavy as it was during the primary.

This doesn’t come close to approximating the long lines witnessed in polling places in Texas, Nevada, Arizona and other mainland electoral hot spots. And it’s no wonder: Those states have some pretty competitive races. But more than the primary, even here? The primary is usually Hawaii’s game. Let’s just hope that excitement catches on with isle voters.