OUR VIEW: Another important trip to the polls today

» It may not be a presidential election year, but citizens need to get out and vote in today’s state and local elections.

No doubt, voter turnout today won’t match last November when Culpeper, much like the rest of the country, was caught up in a historic presidential election as well as other captivating races.

But as hard as it is to believe Election Day is already here again, it’s just as important to get out and vote for today’s state and local candidates. The eyes of the world have been on this part of the country for good reason. Political junkies everywhere are gauging the pulse of America, at least in part on our governor’s race — and, apparently, winning in Culpeper is viewed as crucial.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell has visited twice in the past couple of weeks and has brought party leaders and other statewide candidates to Culpeper with him. It seems the GOP has put a special focus on keeping a firm hold on the area.

Local races might not have as wide appeal as statewide elections, but they are no less important if you live here. As the county continues to grow, it’s important we elect local officials who can take Culpeper in the right direction.

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In news that won’t effect today’s races, it should be noted that Richmond Democrat Charlie Diradour has dropped out of the 2010 Seventh Congressional District race, where he could have potentially taken on incumbent Eric Cantor. Diradour said he bowed out to focus his efforts on improving life in his hometown.

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Finally, we apologize for the error on Monday’s front page in which we ran the wrong photo of Republican Dewayne Payne, Stevensburg candidate for Culpeper County Board of Supervisors. It was an honest mistake by the editor designing the page, and we should have caught the problem before it went to press.

We corrected it online yesterday and in print today. Thanks to those who called Monday to alert us to the mistake.