Every election is important, even if there are only a few places to put a checkmark.

Going to the polls, er, the mailbox affirms the basic tenet of our nation that power flows from the people.

You should have the mail-in ballots for the Aug. 6 primary and the voters’ pamphlet by now; if not contact the county Elections Division at 206-296-8683.

Right now we’re voting to winnow down the number of candidates to two for the November general election. For Renton voters there are no local names on the primary ballot, but November election promises two interesting and important City Council races. Randy Corman is running unopposed in the third race.

There are countywide elections, including for county executive. Dow Constantine is seeking a second term, after guiding the county through the fallout of the Great Recession.

A levy before voters would pay for the maintenance of King County parks and trails, which Renton residents enjoy.

The political season will heat up when summer finally cools and attention returns to those big issues left behind on vacation.

As we’ve written before at election time, please vote. Everyone’s active voice is necessary to ensure that a first-time candidate or one seeking re-election is fully vetted and local issues thoroughly explored.

Now is the time to remember whether, on the whole, an elected leader represented your views or set the city or the county or the schools in a direction you feel is just plain wrong.

You get to complain even if you don’t vote. But voting means you have some skin in the game – and you bear some responsibility for where duly elected leaders take you.