On Saturday, Whitman voters won’t get another chance to weigh in on the neverending Obama-Clinton campaign, but they will have the chance to cast ballots in a contest that has a more immediate impact on their everyday lives.

At the top of the ballot, there are five candidates, including both incumbents, running for two seats on the Board of Selectmen. Anyone who complains that you can’t change city (or town) hall has little evidence to back them up this year.

It’s a good sign that so many candidates have stepped up to the plate to run for selectmen this year. For no pay, selectmen take time away from their families and take on responsibilities on top of their day jobs for the benefit of the communities they live in.  So thank you to Mr. Holbrook, Kowalski, Lunnin, Johnson and Balonis for taking the time to give back to their town.

From combing over the budget to doling out business licenses to hearing dog complaints, selectmen hold an important place in the operation of the town.

And let’s not forget the other candidates who are running unopposed for other town offices. While they may not get as much recognition as those running in the contested races, they are also essentially volunteering their time to make the lives of their neighbors a little bit better.

It should go without saying that voters should take the example of the candidates to heart and  do their small bit of civic good on Saturday by voting. It only takes a few minutes, and you’ll feel good about yourself afterwards.

Sadly, though, most registered voters do need the extra little nudge to head to the polls. It’s a little disheartening when it’s considered a good turnout for a town election when only a quarter of eligible residents actually vote.

This Saturday, Whitman voters have the chance to make a difference. Polls are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Town Hall.  So cast your vote and make a difference in your community.