Over the last several weeks, you’ve no doubt read headline after headline about how Tuesday’s midterm election will be one of the most — if not THE most — important ones in our nation’s history.

Whether you are a supporter of the direction the country is heading under President Donald Trump and the Republican Party, or a member of the “#Resist” movement throwing your support behind the Democrats, this election is of paramount importance. With control of both houses of Congress on the line, the agenda and policies coming out of Washington may shift dramatically depending on Tuesday’s results.

However, even those of you who are indifferent to the drama occurring at Pennsylvania Avenue and Capitol Hill still have plenty at stake this Tuesday.

At the state level, in addition to the usual elections for positions in the General Assembly’s House and Senate, there are also six proposed amendments to the North Carolina constitution that voters will decide, which could impact everything from how we conduct elections to how much we pay in taxes. There are also several judges we are asked to choose from.

Locally, we will decide who will lead us in the chambers of the Polk County Board of Commissioners and who will protect us in the offices of the Polk County Law Enforcement Center.

While every election is important, this particular midterm is one that every Polk County resident should make their voices heard in. Thankfully, based off the record number of residents who voted early, many of you already have.

For those of you who have not already voted, please do whatever you can to get to your local voting precinct on Tuesday. While those of us with jobs and a family may have a lot on our plates during the average weekday, with polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., there is no excuse to not vote on Election Day.

Get up early and vote before heading into the office, or right after dropping your kids off at school.

Grab something quick to eat and vote during your lunch hour.

Go vote in the evening after you finish your work for the day.

No matter the results, Tuesday’s election will no doubt be one for the history books. Make sure your voice is a part of this  pivotal moment in time.

– Editorial staff, Tryon Daily Bulletin