By james art 
With Election Day right around the corner, all eyes are on the presidential race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
Many of you have already voted, but there will be thousands more at the polls on Tuesday. While the presidential race may be what gets many people out to vote this year, it’s important to note that there are dozens of other state and local races on the ballot.
Some of these contests, such as those for county commissioner or school board, will have a direct impact on our daily lives. These elected officials make decisions on a host of issues, including how much you pay in property taxes, what gets built, and where your child goes to school.
Because these races aren’t necessarily in the spotlight, it can be harder to know which candidates to support. The StarNews has put together a voter guide to help you learn more about these candidates and where they stand on critical issues. We want voters to be able to make informed decisions.
The guide also includes information on how to find your polling place and how votes are counted. You can access the voter guide at www.StarNewsOnline.com.
Meanwhile, in today’s StarNews you can find a story by Renee Spencer, our community engagement editor, about election integrity. She spoke with local election officials who emphasized how hard their offices work every day to ensure Wilmington-area residents have free and fair elections.
Regardless of how you plan to vote, I ask that you please be patient with election officials who are trying to do their jobs and be respectful of your colleagues if you have to wait in line.
We will have reporters covering key races in the region on Election Day with complete results available at www.StarNewsOnline.com.
Sherry Jones is executive editor of the StarNews. She can be reached at [email protected].