Choice is what makes America great.

Indeed, this is not the first time we’ve used this space to remind voters of that fact.

We have consistently stressed the importance of choice in local elections because we believe political competition always raises the bar in elected office, particularly on issues such as government spending and transparency. It demands that officeholders don’t get too comfortable in their roles as public servants and that they always are held accountable for their decisions and campaign promises.

Youngstown voters today (and again in November) will reap the benefits of choices — and good ones at that. We urge Youngstown residents who are registered voters to take advantage of the choice by heading to the polls to cast their ballots for the mayoral candidate or city council president candidate they believe will best represent the city.

Three good candidates exist in the race for the Democratic nomination for Youngstown Mayor — incumbent Jamael Tito Brown, and challengers City Councilman Julius Oliver and local businessman Ryan Kelly. The winner will go on to face Republican challenger Tracey Winbush in the fall.

Three write-in candidates will vie for the Democratic nomination for council president.

Democratic voters in both Struthers and Niles will pick among four Democrats seeking the party’s nomination to fill three council at-Large seats. Democratic voters residing in Girard’s 4th Ward, Hubbard’s 2nd Ward and several wards in Warren also will have options today.

We urge registered voters to fulfill their civic responsibility by casting a ballot today. And if you’re not registered, don’t delay in completing the necessary paperwork so that you may vote in November’s general election.

It is true that polling places in many communities will not be open today because today’s primary election focuses mostly on municipal races. But there will be immensely more races in the fall with candidates seeking election as township trustees or fiscal officers and local boards of education members, along with general election races in area municipalities.

The polls are open today from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Don’t forget to bring your identification, which can be a valid state ID like a driver’s license, a military ID, a copy of a current utility bill or bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document containing your accurate address. You can vote by provisional ballot if you do not have an identification document.

Our system of government in the United States is based on participation by the electorate. Please participate.

editorial@vindy.com