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Early voting closes at 3 p.m. Saturday in Beaufort County. As of late Thursday afternoon, around 700 voters have participated in the democratic process, which means there are still many votes that have not yet been cast.

There are no national or state-wide candidates to vote for this year, so it is a more low-profile race, but no less important.

The old saying about all politics being local is absolutely true in our area this year.

The Washington city council race is the only contested one, despite the many signs around the county for various sheriff candidates. They will be around all winter, because that race won’t be decided until spring.

While a city council election might not dominate the headlines like Biden vs. Trump this time last year, it is no less important. Just ask Roland Wyman.

Wyman was an incumbent two years ago as was William Pitt. They tied for the last of five spots on the incoming council.

They were still tied after two recounts and Pitt’s name was drawn from a basket. One vote would have decided it, so yes, every vote does count.

Historically, turnout is low for municipal elections when there are no other races. One of the reasons given has been that nothing major happens in a small town, so it doesn’t matter who our representatives are.

That’s wrong in Washington’s case.

In the last two years, council has considered several issues and development projects that will shape the city’s future. Along with other examples, council unanimously approved a plan to significantly improve the 15^th Street corridor from U.S. 17/Carolina Avenue to Brown St., gave preliminary approval to a marina/hotel development on the south side of the Pamlico River across from the downtown waterfront, voted against spending $50 to secure a four-year option to consider extending the boardwalk east toward Haven’s Gardens and decided to table a discussion about extending their terms to four years without public input after a significant public reaction.

You have a say in future matters by voting for like-minded candidates. This newspaper has a long-standing policy of not endorsing anyone for any race, but we do encourage you to make your voice heard.

Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in convenient locations throughout the county.

Friends, family, neighbors and children make up our community. Some may not know how important it is to have a say on the issues, while others might not have the opportunity.

Be part of the democratic process that sets us apart from other nations. Exercise your right to vote.