Get informed, then get out to vote

Will your property taxes go up or down in the next few years?

If faced with budget cuts, will your schools, town, park district or library trim the fat or will they eliminate programs you treasure?

Will more development or more open space characterize the neighborhood where you live?

On Election Day, one week from today, that's largely up to you.

The Tuesday, April 7, local election might lack the glamour of last fall's Obama-McCain race, but it doesn't get any closer to home than this. In this tough economy, your local government leaders are making some tough decisions. They're spending your money. Voting is your best shot at influencing how those challenges are met.

Your local races might also lack the intensity and unending hype of the recent presidential campaign. That's why we're reminding you a week in advance of Election Day. We ask you to take a little time to learn about the candidates and issues in your town.

And if you can't make it to the polls next Tuesday, anyone can vote early through Thursday, April 2, at many suburban locations.

You can find early voting locations at www.dailyherald.com. Select your county under the Election 2009 banner, then link to early voting information or to the Illinois State Board of Elections.

Our online Election 2009 guide also can help you choose a candidate. You'll find:

• Questionnaires completed by each of the candidates, in his or her own words.

• News articles written about election campaigns in your town.

• Our endorsements in each race.

• Which elections will appear on your ballot. Select your community for a list of races and referendums.

You'll find additional coverage of the election campaigns in the Daily Herald's news and Neighbor sections throughout this week. A recap of our endorsements will appear in print on Sunday, April 5, and on Election Day itself.

Nowhere is your vote more important. No Electoral College filters your choice of candidates in local elections. And the gap between winner and loser can be very small.

"These are the offices won and lost by a single vote," said McHenry County Clerk Katherine Schultz.

A few years ago, a tax increase referendum in Benjamin Elementary District 25 in West Chicago passed by a dozen or so votes. A mere 19 votes swung the Barrington mayoral election in 2001. It's quite common for a local election to be won by fewer than 100 votes.

This is your chance to really influence the future of your town and the spending of your taxes. Take the time to get informed. Then take the time to vote.