Tuesday is Election Day, with thousands of Warren County residents going to the polls to cast their ballot for township, borough, city and county offices.

Precisely because no federal and few state offices are on the ballot this year, today’s election affects you more directly in your day to day existence than any other. These are the levels of government that provide the services that affect you every single day in one way or another through things like police and fire department staffing in the city, handling of neighborhood issues, animal control, road maintenance – including plowing snow in the winter. Perhaps most importantly, the ballots you cast Tuesday influences the level of government that imposes property taxes and that will take your home if you don’t pay them.

We note that in many townships and boroughs throughout the county there are dozens of races that are either uncontested or, even worse, have no candidates at all. Voter apathy is a problem across the country. But it’s hard to blame voters for being apathetic to local elections if we can’t find candidates for so many races. The lack of candidates is an argument for consolidation or sharing of offices.

The races on the November election ballot are about local government, local services and local taxation.

Don’t just talk about politics. Don’t just listen to complaints about government and taxes. Do something about it by casting your ballot.

Just as a reminder, here’s a list of local endorsements as your head to the polls.

– Warren County District Attorney – both candidates are well qualified for the job.

– Warren County School District 3 – Mary Passinger.

– Warren Mayor – David Wortman.