Voter turnout in municipal elections is historically low. In 2013, for example, the turnout was just 19 percent in Northampton County and 22 percent in Lehigh County.

Four out of five Lehigh Valley voters had no role in deciding on the leaders who impact them more than anyone. In an effort to change that, AFSCME and local leaders recently rallied at Gracedale to encourage more people to vote.

Among those at the gathering were council members Mat Benol, Peg Ferraro, Ken Kraft, Lamont McClure and Hayden Phillips. Controller Steve Barron was present. Abe Kassis, one of three judicial candidates, also attended.

Much of the talk was focused on keeping Gracedale, which McClure called "sacred ground," in county hands.

But AFSCME Business Agent Justus James said it best. "If you don't vote, you don't have a voice."

The last day to register for this year's municipal primary was April 20. But there is plenty of time to register and vote in the fall.

PRESS PHOTOS BY BERNIE O'HARE