There is nothing more important to the future than public education, and the time has come for the residents of Wake County to step up and once again underline their support for schools by backing a school bond issue of $810 million that will build new schools, renovate others and provide for improved technology. This is an investment – and a needed one.

The News & Observer offers its endorsements in favor of the Wake school bond issue and of a $75 million transportation bond for Raleigh. We also endorse candidates for local offices, with the hope that voters will choose wisely people who will respond to their day-to-day needs as constituents and bring enlightened perspective to the issues of growth and efficient and forward-looking transit alternatives.

Traditionally, voter turnout absent a governor’s race and a presidential campaign is low, but local races can be even more important in so many ways. Please vote, regardless of whether you agree with our choices.

For the exercise of this right is the foundation of our great democracy, be it a local referendum or the choosing of a president. Make the time and take the time to be heard.