Well, after months and months of anticipation, Election Day is finally upon us.

On Tuesday, all ballots must be either at the Island County Elections office in Coupeville, in one of several ballot boxes scattered across Whidbey Island, or in the mail and postmarked no later than Nov. 5.

While many have had their minds made up since day one and long ago cast their votes, many more have avoided that envelope as if it was something found in a public bathroom. There it has sat for weeks on the mantle or that spot next to the door where one puts their mail. Well, it’s time to pick it up, blow off the dust and take a peek.

To remove a bit of the mystery, here’s some of what you’ll find inside. South Whidbey voters will decide on several contested races this year, the first of which is for Position 5 of the South Whidbey School Board. Seeking to fill the seat, in alphabetical order, are Langley residents Betty Bond and Rocco Gianni. Both have extensive backgrounds in education and bring specific strengths to the table. The position carries a four-year term.

Also up for grabs is Position 3 on the Port of South Whidbey’s Board of Commissioners. Vying for voters’ favor are Clinton residents Curt Gordon and Ed Jenkins. Gordon, the incumbent, is a contractor and Jenkins is a retired businessman. Port commissioners serve for six years.

Last but not least, Position 3 of South Whidbey Parks and Recreation Board of Commissioners is being sought by two Freeland residents, Captn Blynd and Bob Hezel. Blynd is retired but busy in the community and Hezel is the owner of a construction company. Parks district seats carry four-year terms.

Finally, Whidbey General Hospital is asking voters to approve a $50 million expansion project. The plan is to modernize the facility with the construction of a new wing with single-patient rooms. For details, see the story on Page A3.

There are also a handful of uncontested races in Langley city government — that includes the mayor — South Whidbey Fire/EMS, parks and school districts, and a state initiative concerning the labeling of genetically modified foods.

For some, voting is always a difficult task. Ballots seem to weigh 1,000 pounds, for one reason or another, but it’s a weight everyone should heft. Five minutes of misery far outweighs four years of frustration.

Vote, it’s worth it.