Editorial: Remember to vote today

Philadelphians go to the polls today to elect a new mayor. if you're registered, be sure to take the time to vote. But today's mayoral election is different. The campaigns have focused on issues that should matter to every Philadelphian. And it seems likely that the margin of victory will be very small indeed. Sam Katz, the Republican candidate, and John Street, his Democratic opponent, have battled for months. The candidates have debated endlessly, campaigned tirelessly and flooded the airwaves with advertisements. They have spent months clarifying what they stand for and where they disagree. The largely clean, issues-driven race that has resulted is a credit to both candidates. And it has provided ample grounds for every Philadelphian to cast an educated vote. What has emerged are two very different visions of the role of government, two contrasting plans for leading Philadelphia into the next century. You are charged with deciding which vision should prevail; it is a choice that will play a critical role in shaping the city's future. Of course, none of this would matter to many voters if the race's result were a foregone conclusion. But voting in this election is not merely an exercise in civic values or moral obligations. This is mathematics, plain and simple -- the race is tight enough to squeeze truth from the clichZ that every vote counts. So come rain or shine, make the time to vote today. If you're planning to vote in University City, we've provided a list of polling stations on page one. If you're planning to vote elsewhere in the city, but do not know where to go, call the Committee of Seventy at (215) 557-3600 and an office volunteer will help you determine the location of the nearest polling place. Wherever you vote, cast your ballot for the candidate you believe best qualified to lead Philadelphia for the next four years. But recognize that whatever the result, Philadelphia will be in good hands.