After months and in some cases years of campaigning, the midterm elections are over.

Much has been said about the importance of today’s midterm election. We believe all elections are important.

The Journal’s picks: | 2018 GENERAL ELECTION ENDORSEMENTS |

Imagine waking up one morning and finding out that something happened the night before that you didn’t like — and you could have done something about it.

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

Later today, streets, neighborhoods and festivals will be filled with ghosts, goblins, superheroes, princesses and children — and some adults — dressed in a variety of scary and fun costumes to celebrate Halloween.

We were all in the garage, which has been turned into a playroom, celebrating the birthdays of my 3-year-old grandtwins JP and Mikayla on Saturday morning at their home in Warner Robins, Ga. — and we mistakenly suspected nothing.

It is likely that most of you reading this know someone in your circle of friends who has battled breast cancer or who has cared for a family member who has dealt with the disease.

Brooklyn Thomason said one day she hopes to pilot an airplane. Those who know the Blue Ridge Elementary School third-grader believe she can accomplish that goal.

State Rep. Gary Clary has announced plans to introduce anti-hazing legislation in the next session of the S.C. General Assembly that would increase penalties for those who cause serious injury or death in incidents related to hazing by college and university organizations that have initiations.

Some six years ago, executives and board members from the Foothills YMCA stopped by the offices of The Journal at our request to discuss their plans for the Y they wanted to build.

When the county installed a sewer network opening the way to an industrial commerce park and even future expansion toward Interstate 85 four years ago — that was a good idea.

School shootings around the nation — including one two years ago in Townville — have caught the attention of schools, law enforcement, lawmakers — and especially the parents who are concerned about the safety of their own children.

For a quarter of a century, Clemson University students have spent homecoming week giving their time, sweat and tears in an effort to make the dream of home ownership a reality for Pickens County families.