As not just a special election but a special primary, we suspect that voter turnout today will be sparse at best. We hope we’re wrong.

We encourage voters to remember that it is often our local leaders who have the most influence on our daily lives. As the next leader of Horry County Council, the winner today will play a powerful role in decisions that could affect your tax bill in years to come. He or she could will help determine which local road projects move forward, and will plan the future of the county in all sorts of ways, whether that means police and fire protection levels, conservation decisions, economic development, or parks and recreation.

Don’t sit on the sidelines because you think this election doesn’t matter that much. Every exercise of democracy is important. Don’t skip this one. Profiles, biographies and background on all of the candidates are available online at MyrtleBeachOnline.com/politics. Take part in the hard work of civics. Make your voice heard.