Tuesday is a very important day for our communities — it is Election Day.

During the general election, area residents have the opportunity to choose council members, mayors, school board members and township trustees, as well as other government officials such as fiscal officers. In addition, they can approve levies that provide important services, or choose to deny them if they believe the measures are too expensive or unnecessary.

While we will not be voting on a president or state and federal lawmakers this year, the decisions we will make will have an impact right here at home.

In Belmont County, we urge voters to support two countywide levies as well as some more localized property taxes. The Senior Services levy is a 1-mill, five year measure that helps fund programs to support local senior citizens. It covers the cost of the home-delivered meal program, as well as transportation to and from senior centers and to and from medical appointments, among other things. It is a renewal levy, which means it will not cost taxpayers any additional money.

The same is true for the county 911 levy, which is being reduced from 0.5 mills to 0.25 mills for a five-year period. So, even if they approve the levy, voters’ taxes will go down.

In Bridgeport, a new 5-mill continuing levy is being sought to cover the cost of police vehicles and equipment along with officers’ wages. And in Brookside, a new 3-mill continuing levy is on the ballot to raise funds for building and maintaining fire department facilities and equipment.

All of these things are important to daily life in our region, and we believe the measures are worthwhile.

So, we encourage voters to go to the polls on Tuesday — they are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. — or to take advantage of the early, in-person voting hours at all county board of elections headquarters. It is your right and your duty to make your voice heard by casting a ballot. If you are registered to vote, do not miss the opportunity.