In a recent Facebook poll, readers of The Vicksburg Post said they were more interested in statewide races on Tuesday’s general election ballot than local races for offices in Warren County.

We were both appreciative of those who took the time to vote and surprised at the results displayed in the poll.

While we do not want to belittle the race for governor, lieutenant governor or state treasurer, among others, the races for Warren County Sheriff, the five spots on the Warren County Board of Supervisors and the race for Warren County Prosecuting Attorney play a more direct role in our day-to-day lives than those at the state level.

Those who seek office for local seats can affect change — both positive and negative — in Warren County more directly than those in Jackson, or even more so than those elected officials on the federal level.

Former U.S. Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill, from Massachusetts, is most often credited with the phrase “all politics is local.”

The phrase is aimed at the decisions those in Congress make when voting on a particular issue, not because of their party affiliation or whims of leadership, but based on what constituents back at home want done. Novel concept to say the least.

In this regard, “all politics is local” should also refer to the fact that those at the local level — those who serve in county and city government — have far more pressure to respond to those who elected them than those at the state or federal level.

While we understand that those races on the state level draw the most attention, in many ways, they mean less to you and me, and our other neighbors in Warren County, than the race for District 1 supervisor, or sheriff or District 2 supervisor, etc.

When it comes to these local races, they mean quite a bit and it is essential the more than 29,000 registered voters in Warren County take it seriously. Our community cannot afford another election where less than a third of the registered voters turn out. Our community cannot afford another election where registered voters find something else to do rather than helping to shape the future of this county.

“All politics is local” is a true statement and quality governmental leadership begins at home. Go vote Tuesday.