Today's elections do not have the historic impact of last year's when voters were privileged to cast ballots for the first African-American president or the candidate who might have been the first female vice president.

Locally last year, there were plenty of other races to draw traffic to the polls: State representative, Superior Court judge's seat, U.S. senator, tax commissioner, school board seats.

Once again, election day is here but this is an off-year election cycle. However, that doesn't mean the outcome won't be important for the residents of Tifton's District 3 or voters in Ty Ty or Omega.

In District 3, incumbent City Councilman Roosevelt Russell is being challenged by Johnny Terrell. In Ty Ty, Charles Lovett is running against Mayor J. Keith Beasley, and incumbent Linda Drawdy faces Darlene Burrous in the race for Post 4.

In Omega, Deborah Smith and Nicky Lara are vying for the Post 2 seat.

And don't forget the incumbents who do not have opposition but would surely appreciate a vote of confidence: Marianna Keesee, District 1, Tifton City Council; Omega Council members Joe Turner, Post 1; Dickie Robins, Post 3; and James Gibbs Patrick III, Post 4; Ty Ty Post 2 Councilman Tony Randall and Post 3 Councilman Malcom Kelly.

As you go about your business today, if you live in an affected district, please go to the polls. You never know the difference one vote may make.