Municipal elections are less than two weeks away.

Locally, Greenville, Georgiana and McKenzie each have elections.

The mayors in all three cities face opposition and several council members also.

While many may be leery about going to the polls to vote due to COVID-19, voters are able to use the virus as a means for getting an absentee ballot for the municipal election.

The deadline to request one is Aug. 20 for the Aug. 25 election.

It is important that locals take an active role in local government.

The decisions made by city governments affect those who live in the city limits in various ways from taxes to garbage pickup to quality of life things like parks and upgraded sideways, and what kind of building permits are needed for your do-it-yourself project. Those elected represent the city and their actions affect the city’s reputation.

We know that many people may simply be tired of politics as there is so much going on nationally, but when it comes down to it, local affairs definitely affect you one way or another.

We encourage each citizen to get out and vote whether by absentee ballot or going to your respective polling place.

Your vote matters.