If the weather forecasts are even close to being accurate, today looks to be a beautiful day to be an American and exercise our rights to choose our representatives in government.

Nationally, all eyes will be on the U.S. Senate races up for grabs and, in particular, if a balance of political party power will shift when all the votes are tallied.

Currently Democrats have eight more seats than Republicans, but with a number of hotly contested seats up for grabs today, that balance of power could easily shift.

In Mississippi, longtime U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran will face two challengers — Democrat Travis Childers and perennial candidate Reform Party hopeful Shawn O’Hara.

In Louisiana, incumbent Democrat Sen. Mary Landrieu will face no fewer than eight challengers.

Locally, two judge seats are up for grabs, one on each side of the river.

In Adams County, voters will choose one of six people who are vying for the role of Adams County Court Judge. With so many candidates, most political watchers believe a run-off is almost a certainty.

In Concordia Parish voters will choose between three Democrats vying for the Seventh Judicial District Judge, Division B post. Jack McLemore Jr., Ronnie McMillin and John Reeves each seek the office.

Both state ballots will also contain a slew of other races, most not believed to be highly controversial, and in Louisiana more than 14 constitutional amendments.

Please take the time today to research candidates and issues — if you are not already sure how to vote — and take the time to vote.