In many ways, it is a shame that a presidential election gains all the voter interest.

As far as we’re concerned, it is elections like that which will occur Aug. 7 that should have residents excited and eager to vote. It is these types of elections — electing officials at the local and state levels — which will really impact readers and their wallets. Especially interesting in most areas of the region as well this year will be a number of important local issues and millage requests.

Certainly presidential elections are the “sugar and spice” of the election cycle.

Elections such as those this August and November, however, are the “meat and potatoes” of that same cycle.

For the past week, we have concentrated on giving readers a solid primer of the races and issues that faces voters in the counties of Northeast Michigan. We hope you’ve read them and can say you’re better informed. If you missed a story, we would urge you to go back and review it so you will feel educated when you go to vote in a little over a week.

Your vote matters, especially in these local races. In rural precincts like ours, where voter numbers already are low, every vote is critical and important.

Be educated. Review our election stories. And come Aug. 7, get out and vote.