From the contests for U.S. house and senate to the statewide race for governor and other offices to state senate and house races, to local ballot proposals and contested races for county, township and city offices, the general election ballot has a great deal for local voters to decide in today’s election.

We think it is important to get to the polls and vote.

Typically, voter turnout is lighter during non-presidential election years. However, we’re not exactly sure why that should be the case. There are vital decisions being made each election cycle the voting public should be involved in. This year is definitely no exception.

From deciding who will represent us in Washington, D.C., to who will lead Michigan from the governor’s office and in the state house and senate, these are vital decisions voters should not take casually by not showing up at the polls.

On a local level, there’s a countywide Veterans Affairs Department millage proposal to determine and millage questions in some school districts, as well as deciding who will represent the city of Marquette, Marquette County, the Marquette Board of Light and Power and some school districts on their respective governing panels.

Townships also have important proposals to decide on their ballots.

It continues to be astounding how many people don’t exercise their right to vote and yet complain about how they wish things would change.

We urge everyone who is eligible to vote to get out and do so today. Polls are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.

To view your sample ballot and find your polling location, visit the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.Michigan.gov/vote.