Politicians are elected on promises. They are sometimes defeated for not keeping them.

Either way, it helps to hear what promises they make or don't make as voters start to think about which candidates they will choose in November's elections.

And that's what makes the upcoming candidate forums so important.

Voter turnout is typically low in nonpresidential election years. In an election where there is not even a US. Senate race or a governor's race to entice voters to come to the polls, voter turnout is historically even lower. That makes each vote cast even more important and it is crucial that those people who do chose to vote take the time to hear from the candidates themselves.

Yard signs build name recognition and, sadly, that often translates to votes. But it would be much better if candidates knew a bit about what the people behind those names stand for.

The candidate forums offer you that chance.

Be sure you take advantage.