In an off year with no presidential, gubernatorial or congressional races on the ballot, it could be easy to forget about voting altogether. But the races and initiatives Marshalltown and Marshall County residents are being asked to consider are important, and they absolutely warrant our undivided attention.

The Marshalltown school board, which regularly makes crucial decisions regarding curriculum, facilities and safety, has four candidates running to fill three at-large four year seats and two more candidates running to serve the final two years of a term. If you haven’t had the chance yet, watch the KDAO live stream of the candidate forum from last week, and read the candidate spotlights on the T-R website. Get to know these school board hopefuls, and choose the ones who align with your vision for the future of the district.

Multiple city races are also competitive this year, with a contested mayor’s race and four at-large city council candidates vying for two seats. Once again, the full stream of the forum — which all eight council and mayoral hopefuls attended — is available online, and it’s easy to learn more about each candidate’s position on issues like spending, the Downtown Master Plan, housing and the rebuilding process after two devastating natural disasters in the last three years.

In Marshall County, the voter turnout rate jumped from about 59.5 percent in 2018 to more than 72 percent in 2020. Now, it’s hard to expect that trend to continue without names like Trump and Biden on the ballot, but it’s worth remembering that as residents and constituents, you have a direct line of communication with your mayor, your city councilors and your school board members. They cast votes that affect your everyday life, and they’re much more likely to return your phone call or email than the president or a U.S. Senator.

If you don’t know where to vote, how to vote or whether you’re even eligible to vote, get in touch with the county auditor’s office at 641-754-6323. They can answer all of your questions and point you in the right direction.

Don’t just be the person who reads about the next meeting in the newspaper and wonders why a certain vote was cast or a certain agenda item wasn’t discussed more thoroughly. Be the person who stands up and makes a difference in the way your city and school district are governed. Cast your vote, and make your voice heard.