Tuesday is that odd day known as the off-year Election Day.

Around here, that means there aren't any governors, senators, representatives, prosecutors, judges, sheriffs or county commissioners on the ballot. But years such as this one are the ones that are as American as any form of the electoral process itself.

Voters have the opportunity to select the most local of officials, the people who put policies from the state and federal level into action, who make sure our roads are clean and paved, our children are educated and our properties kept safe. Across the area there are township trustees, village and city council races, school board officials and, in the case of Steubenville, a mayor's race that decides the tone and direction of the city for the next four years.

Statewide, Ohio voters have the choice of amending the state Constitution regarding gambling and farm animal regulation, as well a providing funds to returning war veterans.

There also are a number of school levies and local levies on the ballot.

It hasn't been the busiest of election seasons, nor the most contentious. But that still doesn't absolve voters from their privilege of making decisions at the polls.

Americans enjoy a freedom that other parts of the world still do not - the freedom to have a say in who, what, where, when and how much government they want in their daily lives. Sometimes the choices are exactly what the voters want. Sometimes, there is a bit of disappointment after an election.

One thing always is for sure: If we do not vote on Election Day, we haven't exercised a basic part of being an American citizen.

Be sure to have your say at the polls on Tuesday.