Tuesday is an important day in our community, and it may be up to residents to determine just how the day will be remembered.

Tuesday is Election Day for municipalities, for governments that arguably do the most direct governing of any of our elected officials.

Franklin voters — and there are nearly 5,600 registered voters in the city — will vote for mayor and three councilmen in a race that has been hotly contested, vigorously watched and continuously scrutinized.

Voters in Franklin, where the mayor has been serving for 12 years, have the incumbent and two challengers to choose from.

Two contested City Council seats are up for grabs; in the third seat, the incumbent is running unopposed. At least one of those council seats will be filled by a first-time lawmaker, as the incumbent did not seek-election.

Six towns in Southampton County will vote for mayors, although all six incumbents are running unopposed.

Voters in Branchville, Ivor and Newsoms have contested elections for town council members.

Windsor and Smithfield residents will elect town council members, but only the Smithfield council election features more candidates running than there are seats available.

This space is not being used for endorsements. That duty was intentionally left up to the readers and, ultimately, will be decided by those casting votes.

Instead, this space is designed to remind voters of the duty, or their responsibility.

On Tuesday, be sure to vote.