The pundits and yard signs have had their say, now it's your turn on Election Day

Well, it’s the first Tuesday of November in an even-numbered year, and that can only mean one thing: it's time to head to the polls. Voters today will pick a new governor, select California’s junior senator, choose a new state superintendent of public instruction and decide the fate of no less than nine ballot initiatives.

And that's not all. In Irvine Unified, the local electorate will fill two open seats on the IUSD Board of Education, deciding among incumbent Sharon Wallin, who is the current Board president; fellow incumbent Dr. Gavin Huntley-Fenner, a scientist; and challenger Jodie Lu Stout Hoffman, an education evaluation consultant. Irvine voters will also weigh in on Measure R, a school support ordinance, and fill the City’s mayoral post, as well as a pair of seats on the City Council. It’s a pretty crowded ballot this year, but that’s the way it goes with democracy. So go forth, and exercise your right!