On Tuesday, voters across the state and region will head to the polls to cast their ballots in the General Election.

And this year, the focus isn’t on national races or the headlines coming out of Washington. Instead, this election offers something more immediate, more personal and maybe even more powerful — a chance to choose the local leaders who’ll be making decisions that shape everyday life for the foreseeable future.

As the federal government shutdown continues and the battle over a state budget drags on, the need for a local government that’s responsible is front and center.

When those higher levels of government can’t function, the folks who are supervisors, school board members, mayors and council members have to keep essential services running.

Trash still needs to be picked up, the roads will soon need plowing, and making sure emergency responders show up when we dial 911 — all of those need to be dealt with.

Folks in Washington don’t fix the potholes, local government does.

Maybe we’re coming down off the high turnout of the last presidential election or congressional races. Usually, the rule is a low turnout that’s depressing for many in these local contests.

Turnout in the primary wasn’t exactly record-setting — in some places fewer than one in five registered voters showed up.

That means a small fraction of citizens are making the decisions that determine how schools are funded, how property taxes are levied and how development projects are approved or denied. What’s often not considered is that these local decisions affect taxes, property values and quality of life a whole lot more than results of national elections.

The region is not without its share of challenges and opportunities that require leaders who are informed and engaged.

The issues they face here are diverse, but deeply local. Finding and funding local police, revitalizing decaying communities, and dealing with data centers join the more mundane, day-to-day decisions needed to keep local services flowing.

Nobody — not even Congress — can’t step in to help. The responsibility for those things rests entirely on those the voters choose on Election Day.

The shutdown of the federal government is a good example of why relying on Washington isn’t enough. Vital programs stalled. Lines at food pantries grew longer. Supplies dwindled as money dried up.

In Harrisburg, schools and counties are left in limbo caused by a budget battle. Many are looking to loans or tapping reserve accounts as they wait for state funding to keep programs open.

It’s a great example of democracy in action.

Local officials are the most accessible and accountable representatives you can have. They’re at the grocery store, a high school sporting event, a restaurant, or at church.

That’s a level of accessibility that doesn’t exist in Washington or Harrisburg.

Here in the heart of coal country, there’s a long-standing tradition of community pride. Despite our differences, neighbors look out for one another. Communities can move forward when people take responsibility rather than waiting for someone else to solve their problems.

Voting locally is part of that tradition — a common sense approach to local control over local issues.

In Tuesday’s balloting, voters will choose people who manage multi-million-dollar budgets, hire police officers, oversee road repairs and decide how our schools prepare our children for the future.

And every one of the votes cast — no matter the candidate — reminds us all that those things matter.

We’ve heard a lot lately that our democracy is in danger, and Tuesday is a good time to ensure its well-being at the level that affects us the most.

Voting in these local elections carries far more weight than casting a ballot for someone headed for Harrisburg or Washington.

A low turnout for a local race can decide the outcome and change the future of our towns and schools.

So on Tuesday, show up to vote and take ownership of our local democracy. We’re not just putting people in seats at a table. The privilege of voting is the best way to ensure accountability.

All the finger-pointing, yelling, and anger we’ve experienced when it comes to local issues doesn’t solve anything.

Perhaps the best solution to our area’s issues might be found where it matters most — the local polling place.

ED SOCHA | tneditor@tnonline.com

Ed Socha is a retired newspaper editor with more than 40 years’ experience in community journalism.

The foregoing opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Board or Times News LLC.