The upcoming general election is fast approaching and the Call already has featured stories about two ballot measures voters will decide Nov. 6.

Voters will consider Proposition L, a 6-cent tax-rate increase the St. Louis County Library Board of Trustees has placed on the ballot. If approved, the tax rate would increase to 22.3 cents per $100 of assessed valuation from 16.3 cents.

The Special School District Board of Education has placed Proposition S, a 19-cent tax-rate increase on the Nov. 6 ballot. If approved, the tax rate would increase to $1.19 per $100 of assessed valuation from $1.

Besides the two local ballot measures, south county voters will decide federal and statewide races, along with a state Senate race, several state House of Representatives races and a County Council race.

Local races include:

• Rep. Scott Sifton, D-Affton, is challenging incumbent Sen. Jim Lembke, R-Lemay, for the 1st District state Senate seat.

• Republican Al Faulstich of Concord is challenging incumbent Rep. Genise Montecillo, D-Affton, for the 92nd District state House seat.

• Republican Tony Leech of Affton and Democrat Bob Burns of south county are vying for the 93rd District state House seat.

• Former Rep. Vicki Lorenz Englund of Concord is seeking to unseat incumbent Rep. Cloria Brown, R- Lemay, for 94th District state House seat.

• Democrat Joe Zelle of Oakville is challenging incumbent Rep. Marsha Haefner, R-Oakville, for the 95th District state House seat.

• Incumbent Rep. Mike Leara, R-Concord, is unopposed in his re-election bid for the 96th District state House seat.

• Republican Tony Pousosa, who serves as a Green Park Ward 1 alderman, is seeking to unseat incumbent Steve Stenger, D-Affton, for the 6th District County Council seat.

As the election approaches, we urge readers to take the time to learn about the issues and the candidates. As always, the Call will feature in-depth stories about the candidates.

The Call also will make endorsements for many of the local races and ballot measures. While we don’t expect everyone to agree with our endorsements, we encourage people to vote.

The last day to register to vote, according to the Missouri Secretary of State’s website, is Wednesday, Oct. 10.

While Americans are guaranteed the right to vote, we believe it is the responsibility of every citizen to do so.