Exercise the privilege to cast your ballot

Voters across the state once again get the opportunity Tuesday to have a say on things like how often the roads get plowed, the maximum number of students in a classroom, hours the local library is open, and how high, if at all, their local taxes will increase in 2010.

It's an odd-numbered year and in Connecticut that means municipal elections. Unfortunately, too few vote. Two years ago, the highest state turnout was 39.8 percent of registered voters in West Hartford, less than half the statewide turnout of 80.5 percent in last year's presidential election.

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. To bone up on the candidates and the issues, visit theday.com and study the 2009 Voter Guide. And if you missed our endorsements, here is a recap:

In races for first selectman: Republican Nicholas H. Mullane II in North Stonington, Democrat Ed Haberek Jr. in Stonington; Republican Robert Congdon in Preston; Republican Michael A. Pace in Old Saybrook; Democrat Philip E. Anthony Jr. in Griswold; and Republican Paul M. Formica in East Lyme.

For Norwich mayor: Norwich for Change Party candidate Robert Zarnetske.

For Montville Town Council: incumbent Democrats William Caron, Catherine Anne Bubendorf and Rosetta Elaine Jones; incumbent Howard "Russ" Beetham of the Independence for Montville Party; and incumbent Republican Gary Murphy. The Day also endorsed Donna Belle Jacobson of the Independence party and Democrat Cyril "Chuck" Longton.

For Ledyard Town Council: Democratic newcomers S. Naomi Rodriguez and Gregory P. Wong and incumbents Sharon Wadecki and William D. Saums. Also Republicans John C. Marshall, Sean P. Sullivan, Terry Jones, and incumbents Linda C. Davis and Jim Diaz.

For the Groton Town Council: Incumbent Republicans Frank 'Mick' O'Beirne Jr., Harry A. Watson Jr., Dean G. Antipas, Deborah B. Monteiro and Bruce S. Flax, as well as new council GOP candidate Deborah L. Peruzzotti. Also, Democrat incumbent Paulann H. Sheets and newcomers Bill C. Johnson and Mary E. Kelly.

For New London City Council: incumbent Republicans Adam Sprecace and Rob Pero and incumbent Democrats Wade A. Hyslop Jr. and Michael Buscetto III. Also these challengers, Green Party candidate John W. Russell Jr., Democrat Michael E. Passero, and Republican Martin T. Olson.

Several towns have uncontested races for first selectman: including incumbent Daniel M. Steward in Waterford; unaffiliated newcomer Kevin T. Lyden in Salem; incumbent Republican Timothy C. Griswold in Old Lyme; and Republican Ralph F. Eno Jr. in Lyme.

There are referendum questions in several towns. Here are our recommendations on some key votes.

In Groton, we recommend voting YES on the $10.7 million plan to rebuild Thames Street.

In Montville: On Question 1, to change from a strong mayor to a town manager system, we recommend NO.

In New London: If approved, this question will reauthorize the city's continued use of the Connecticut City and Town Development Act that provides incentives to attract business and residential development. We recommend voting YES.

Whatever your choices, get out and vote.