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This year's general election might not be generating the attention and big spending of those held in years when we select a president, a governor, a senator or a member of the House of Representatives, but that doesn't mean it is any less important.
Voters have, in elections such as this one, the opportunity to have a real say on the level that impacts their lives the most: In municipal and township government, school boards and on tax levies.
Residents of Steubenville, for instance, have contested races for council at large as well as in the First and Fifth wards. There's a contested race in Toronto's First Ward and in Mingo Junction, for example, as well as contested races for mayor in numerous communities, including Mingo Junction, where five candidates are seeking four seats. Numerous seats also are open in townships across Jefferson County, and voters will have the chance to vote on members of school boards.
Many of those who vote also will have a say on numerous levies, including a replacement levy for the Seven Ranges Fire District, renewal levies for the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School and Edison Local School District and a replacement levy for recreation in Toronto.
Two statewide issues likely will drive voters to the polls in higher-than-usual numbers for such an off-year election -- Issue 1, a reproductive rights amendment to the Ohio Constitution, and Issue 2, which would legalize the recreational use of marijuana.
Also unusual for elections in our region is the number of official write-in candidates who will appear on ballots around the county: That includes both candidates for council at large in Steubenville, as well as a candidate for mayor in Mingo Junction. Make sure you understand the process involving write-ins when you vote.
It's easy to complain on social media or in the coffee shop about what's wrong with our communities, but those complaints carry a different weight when they come from someone who has taken the time to learn about the candidates and issues and then made the effort to vote.
There is no excuse for not voting -- if you are registered. Ohio's early voting procedures and absentee process have made it easy for anyone who wants to cast a ballot to do so.
If you haven't already voted, the polls will be open between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.
And, remember: Your vote does count, and you really can make a difference.