As the letters nearby indicate, the upcoming general election ballot question on genetically engineered organisms is the biggest issue this year.

The question is: “Should the proposed initiative prohibiting the cultivation or reproduction of genetically engineered organisms within the County of Maui, which may be amended or repealed as to a specific person or entity when required environmental and public health impact studies, public hearings, a two thirds vote and a determination by the County Council that such operation or practice meets certain standards, and which establishes civil and criminal penalties, be adopted for Maui County?”

Will you be there on Nov. 4 to weigh in on this historic question?

GMOs may be the talk of the 2014 elections, but voters should also be excited about the races.

Maui residents will help elect a new governor, West Sider Tamara Paltin will face off with Mayor Alan Arakawa, and the battle between Elle Cochran and Ka’ala Buenconsejo for the West Maui County Council seat is the most interesting in a long time.

If you haven’t yet registered to vote, forms are available at Lahaina Public Library and online at www.hawaii.gov/elections.

You need to get going right away. Voter registration application forms must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 6 at the Maui County Clerk’s Office. Mailed voter registration applications must be postmarked by Oct. 6.

If applying for permanent absentee voter status, forms must be received by Oct. 28.

In the primary election, only 28,337 (33.1 percent) of Maui County’s registered voters participated. Traditionally, the turnout in West Maui has been pathetic.

Help educate your friends and family on the issues and races, then take a few minutes to vote on Nov. 4.