Election day is almost here. In less than one week, voters (who have not cast their ballot early) will go to the polls and help to choose who will govern our country, our state and our counties.

This promises to be a pivotal election on all levels. We will have a new president in January, no matter who is elected. We could have a new governor. Carroll County residents will have one new commissioner and a new coroner. There will perhaps be a new surveyor and recorder. And there are bound to be new county council members.

It has been said that it doesn't matter who you vote for as long as you vote, but this is not true. It does matter.

It takes education and involvement with the issues to make an informed decision. Readers are urged, if they have not already, to become familiar with what each candidate said they would do, and not do, before casting their vote. Look at candidates' histories. Read newspapers and listen to different newscasts to learn more about those who will control a significant portion of your life.

Read about the local candidates in recent issues of the Comet. Questions put to them were designed with local voters in mind.

On Election Day, wear the red, white and blue. Fly the flag. And visit the polls to exercise your right to make choices.