There are many commercials, stories and legends about how one vote can make a difference. Some are true, some have been stretched and some are flat-out lies.

But one fact remains: Today, on election day, your vote will put you firmly among those who can say they’ve taken a stand and are a true part of the democratic process.

Not only does it give you those bragging rights, but it also gives you the right to stand up and speak out in support or disagreement with the words and actions of those elected.

This may not be a presidential election year. There may not even be any county or state seats up for grabs. But in your hometown, the place where you live and work and play, candidates are vying for important, decision-making positions.

That includes the mayor’s seat in Bladenboro, where incumbent Livingston Lewis hopes to hang on against write-in Ken Chavis; and Rufus Duckworth, Billy Ray Benson and Craig Lennon are battling today for a single seat on the Bladenboro Town Commission.

In East Arcadia, incumbents Lillian Graham and Warren Graham are facing Willie Dixon for two seats on the town commission.

In Tar Heel, Angela Allen and Ricky Martin are battling for the mayor’s seat.

We urge you to cast your ballot in those areas today. And if there are no contested races in your area, show your support for those running anyway. Start a habit of being a voter.

Just for fun ...

Here are a few of those one-vote stories and legends:

— In 1941, one vote saved Selective Service, just weeks before Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese.

— In 1923, one vote gave Adolf Hitler control of the Nazi Party.

— In 1875, one vote changed France from a monarchy to a republic.

— In 1845, one vote brought Texas into the Union.

— In 1776, one vote gave America the English language instead of German.

— In 1868, one vote saved President Andrew Johnson from being convicted after his impeachment.

— In 1960, a one-vote change in each Illinois precinct would have defeated John F. Kennedy’s bid for the White House.

— In 1839, Marcus “Landslide” Morton was elected governor of Massachusetts by one vote.