Today is Election Day, a day that many take seriously as an opportunity to have a say in the future of their country, state, city, town or village.

If that describes you, then you also know that many of your friends and family won’t go to their polling place today. Turnout will be lower today than it will be on Election Day 2024, when there will be presidential candidates on the ballot. Life is busy. Jobs and family obligations eat up so much time for many of us every day that squeezing anything else into the day can feel impossible. Some have become apathetic and jaded to the importance of voting because our politics have become so noxious they won’t think their vote will bring any change to the status quo.

Our society should value those who take seriously the franchise of voting, particularly those who have already gone to the polls during early voting and who will go to the polls today. It’s important work that you’ve done – and it’s important to know the work isn’t done after you leave your polling place today.

It’s just as important to make sure the people you’ve voted for do what they said they will do. Read the newspaper. Pay attention to what’s happening locally. Attend meetings if you’re able and make your voice known to the City Council, local town or village board. If you disagree with what is happening locally, hold elected officials’ feet to the fire. If you think your local board is doing what they should be, tell them so.

Voting is important. But it’s also important to remain engaged the rest of the year.

As you head to the polls, here’s a reminder of our endorsements:

Jamestown Mayor: Republican Kim Ecklund and Democratic incumbent Eddie Sundquist, no endorsement.

Jamestown City Council: Brent Sheldon, Anthony Dolce, Regina Brackman, Joe Paterniti, William Reynolds III, Andrew Faulkner, Jeff Russell, Randall Daversa.

Ellicott: Todd Beckerink for town supervisor; Adrienne Swanson for town clerk; Marilyn Gerace for town justice; James Rensel for Ward 1; David Lamantia for Ward 2; Steve Cybart for Ward 3; Daniel McNeill for Ward 4.

Falconer: James Jaroszynski for mayor.

Chautauqua County Legislature: Billy Torres in District 9; Julie Jackson-Forsberg in District 10; David Wilfong in District 11; Fred Larson in District 12; Thomas Nelson in District 13; Kurt Gustafson in District 15.