THE ISSUE

Today's municipal runoffs contain several mayoral and city council races that will help determine the direction of local government for the next four years.

Nov. 6 may be etched into everyone's mind as Election Day, but don't forget today's municipal runoffs, which include key races for local voters.

Between party primaries in June, city elections in August, a special amendment vote in September, city runoffs in October, and the November race for president and state offices, it is easy to understand why voters may be confused by or weary of repeated trips to the polls.

But today's vote will help determine the direction of local city governments for the next four years. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. today.

Here is a look at the races:

• Florence City Council District 5 — Coy Bramlett vs. Blake Edwards.

• Tuscumbia mayor — David Cole faces Bill Shoemaker.

• Russellville City Council, District 1 — Jeff Masterson and David Palmer.

• Waterloo mayor — Mary Jenelee Higgins vs. Jerry McIntyre.

• St. Florian City Council, Place 3 — Sandy Evers faces Carmen Miles.

• Rogersville City Council, Place 1: Jim Landers vs. Bill Maloney.

• Rogersville City Council, Place 2 — Cory Garrett vs. Jesse Gorell.

• Rogersville City Council, Place 3 — Danny L. Jones vs. Anita S. Roberson.

• Courtland City Council, District 2 — Laura Terry vs. Jeffery Coffey.

We encourage voters to return to the polls today and help decide who will lead our local cities.