But there are many races on the region's ballots that will have an impact on decisions much closer to home than those made by president's, congress members or state legislators.
And today is Election Day.
If you didn't participate in early voting -- and again, compared to last year's flood at early voting polls, relatively few people did take advantage of that option this year -- now's the time to cast your vote.
Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7: 30 p.m. Lines are likely to short since turnout, sadly, is expected to be low -- so there is little chance you'll have to wait.
In Durham, only the mayor's job and three district city council seats are in play. Although the council seats at stake represent specific districts, all city voters can cast ballots in those races.
With fairly well entrenched incumbents facing lightly funded and experienced challengers, the contest has not attracted wide attention.
In some other area races, though, there are spirited contests for Chapel Hill mayor, council and school board seats, and for Carrboro aldermen, for example.
Regardless of the sound and fury surrounding a race, today is your chance to have a say in who is holding those key local offices.
In short, take time today, if you haven't already, to vote.
