Next Tuesday, Ohioans will vote in what is being called the 2024 Presidential Primary Election. But many of the other decisions made that day will be far more important on the local level than choosing who will battle it out for their spot in the Oval Office.

March 19 will feature votes for local law enforcement leaders, judges, races for representatives in Columbus and Washington, D.C., levies and other issues — all vital parts of our community.

With Bill Johnson assuming a leadership role with YSU, the race is on to ultimately fill his 6th District seat. There is a heated Republican race for U.S. Senate.

In Columbiana County, key races are for commissioner seats and sheriff. The county has an important parks levy on the ballot.

Absentee ballot applications were accepted through yesterday. Early in-person voting runs through 5 p.m. March 17.

After that, the polls open for voting in precincts at 6:30 a.m. March 19. Absentee ballots, if not returned by mail by that time, must be received by the board of elections by 7:30 p.m. on that day as well.

If you are voting in-person, be certain you know where you will be voting. Check for polling places online or by calling your board of elections.

Do not sit out this one thinking it is “only” a primary. There is too much at stake to leave important decisions to a fraction of the eligible voting population.

In the Nov. 7, 2023, election, statewide voter turnout in Ohio was 49.63%. According to the Ohio Secretary of State’s office, that means 3,964,530 people decided matters for a state with a population of 11,785,935.

If you are a registered voter, fulfill your responsibility to your community, your state and your country. Do not let the few decide the fate of the many. If you voted early, kudos. If not, get out by March 17 or next Tuesday.