Today’s the day.

If you are registered to vote, we encourage you to get to the polls today.

What happens today determines the future of Selma and Valley Grande for the next four years. It’s imperative that registered voters take the responsibility to exercise their right to vote.

The polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.

If you’re hesitant to get out and vote, then consider this: A democracy comes with privileges and responsibilities. We enjoy this great experiment, as our early leaders called it. We enjoy the rights that come along with a representative government — speech, assembly, religion, fair trial — in which we select the leaders.

All government begins on a local level. Voting for municipal officers marks the most local of all elections.

Want to know what you can affect by your vote?

Public safety

Street repair and drainage

Garbage collection rates

Tourism

Downtown revitalization

Economic development

Seems to us there’s a lot at stake.

Generally, a majority of voters opt to stay away from the polls, allowing the minority to decide the future for the next four years.

Don’t let that happen today.

Rain or shine, get out and vote.