The presidential debates are now in the bag and the candidates are making a mad dash to capture votes leading up to Nov. 6.

Every presidential election is important, but in times of economic distress or global conflict, both of which seem to be always in play these days, the stakes feel higher. 

President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney have made their views known and citizens have heard plenty of differences upon which to base their vote.

But we’re always cautioning Rockdale County residents not to lose track of the local elections and not to vote based simply on party lines, which are often meaningless in local races.

If you’ve yet to cast an early vote, check out the Election Guide in today’s Rockdale News with a convenient and quick synopsis of candidates in local races and a sample ballot.

We’ll also have some more coverage leading up to Nov. 6. 

In addition, we have videos of one-on-one interviews, forum videos, profiles and forum articles conveniently available on our Rockdale Election 2012 webpage at rockdalenews.com. 

You can also glean information from the candidates’ own websites.

These are all good places to start in becoming an informed voter by the time you go the ballot box. 

If candidates have taken the time to try to earn your vote, we’d ask that you honor their efforts, but please look at the candidate's entire record and see how transparent and accountable they’ve been during the campaign season. 

We’re all depending on you to do your homework.