If all politics are local, Tuesday is a chance to prove it.

That’s the day voters across Carbon County as well as the state get their chance to cast a ballot for folks who — arguably — hold offices that are far more important than the politicians whose faces have filled our television screens and newspapers lately.

Tuesday’s balloting is the first step in an electoral process that will put interested people in positions to shape the future of their community’s schools, streets and safety.

These folks, one might say, are those who may not govern the best.

But they certainly govern the most.

And looking over ballots — samples of what we’ll see on Tuesday — it’s disheartening to see all the empty spaces.

It’s a phenomenon that’s rampant across the nation, state and especially where it matters for all of us, the region.

Candidates for local office have become a rare commodity over the last few years.

After all, stepping up to help chart a community’s course has often become a thankless job.

Perhaps it’s a trickle down from the deep divide that exists in national politics. Maybe those who might consider a local office are reluctant to try, risking the possibility that the only recognition they’d receive wasn’t the kind they hoped for.

The focus of the public eye can change as fast as pushing a button on a cellphone video or a tweet — and a seemingly innocent intention can turn into a social media debacle.

Add to that a fear of retribution, with many potential candidates being concerned about being attacked or their families being attacked.

There’s also been, it seems, a general declining involvement in communities across the region. While people used to get together at a local pub or church function, today they’re more apt to interact digitally.

Everyday life, too, has taken away some of the time once available to potential public office holders.

Changes in work schedules and commutes pull possible candidates from the political pool. Family obligations often add to the mix.

And, of course, there’s the ever-present possibility of medical issues that limit someone from serving.

Over the last few months, resignations, threatened resignations and disputes have plagued local government in the area.

Two supervisors in Franklin Township put their constituents on the brink of a shutdown, but agreed to settle a disagreement and work together to keep their community moving forward.

And in little Weissport, here’s hoping a judge can appoint someone after resignations put the brakes on government there months ago. There’s been no business transacted because there’s no quorum.

What’s more, the primary ballot for council and other offices there is as empty as a pauper’s purse.

On the flip side, the not-so-faint-of-heart choose to jump into the political area.

Some see it as their life’s work, like the five candidates seeking two seats on the Monroe County bench.

And don’t forget the county row offices, where many are seeking office without opposition.

Moving down the ballot, several school board seats with four-year terms are up for grabs in Jim Thorpe, Lehighton, Palmerton, Panther Valley and Weatherly in Carbon County, and Pleasant Valley in Monroe County.

For the most part, those candidates have cross filed for election, increasing their chances of earning a seat or at least a runoff in the November general election.

In Lansford, three hopefuls are seeking the mayor’s position, while a total of eight candidates are seeking four-year seats on borough council.

Add to that those seeking election or reelection in other parts of the county, and for now, at least, governing can go on at the local level in most places.

But none of it can happen without residents who turn out to cast their ballots.

This is an “off year” election. It has none of the glamour or allure of a presidential election, and seats in Congress and at the state Capitol are full, for now.

Traditionally, elections like the one scheduled for Tuesday bring out about a 25% turnout.

That means an individual’s ballot counts for three other people.

That said, if someone’s candidate doesn’t make it to November, or loses by a slim margin, voters have no one to blame but themselves.

All politics is local.

And on Tuesday, it’s your chance to prove it.

ED SOCHA|tneditor@tnonline.com

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