North Carolina voters head to the polls for today's primary election in a unique position to affect the outcome of a presidential nomination contest. That is an exciting and unexpected development, and one that state voters have given careful deliberation in recent weeks.

However, an equal amount of concern and consideration should also be applied to the numerous local and state races at issue today. Those casting ballots should make informed choices in every race and treat that responsibility with appropriate attention.

Five months ago, most residents doubted the potential relevance of the state's primary on the presidential race. Most pundits believed the nominations would be determined by Super Tuesday and that the North Carolina primary, three months later, would have little impact on the major party's nominees.

Instead, the Old North State has become a major battleground for the Democrats. In the past month, Greenville has hosted U.S. Sen. Barack Obama at Minges Coliseum on the East Carolina University campus and U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton visited Pitt Community College's Coburn Center on Monday. That race is sure to draw thousands of new voters, and the outcome here and Indiana will be crucial.

Of course, the presidential candidates have hardly been alone in courting local residents for support. This year's primary election features important races on the federal, state and local levels and voters from both parties will face some tough decisions at the polls today.

Pitt County voters will help determine nominees in a U.S. Senate race and two U.S. House campaigns. The community shined in the spotlight of a gubernatorial debate that drew five of the top six candidates to the Brody School of Medicine, but that race is only one of many at the state level demanding attention — including those for General Assembly. Nominees will be determined for the state Court of Appeals as well.

On the local level, Democrats in county commission Districts 1 and 2 will vote in the District A race for representation on that board. And all voters will cast ballots in the nonpartisan Board of Education races that will be determined by the primary vote, lending greater magnitude to the ballots cast in those six races.

Seats on the Pitt County Board of Education and nominations for N.C. Court of Appeals may lack the dramatic appeal of the Oval Office. Nor will the outcome of those races receive the white-hot media spotlight afforded the race for the presidency.

However, the decisions made at the polls in Pitt County and across North Carolina today promise to echo for years to come. This is an exciting moment for the state and one to embrace as voters embrace their civic responsibility to participate in the democratic process.