Area voters, if they have not voted early, head to the polls Tuesday to mark ballots in several primaries, including the presidential primaries. Voters who have not made up their minds concerning who they will support should consider several factors.

First, no matter party affiliation — or lack of party affiliation — voters should consider candidates’ positions on issues, whether it is national issues such as illegal immigration or a county’s tax rate. Voters should peel back the layers of rhetoric coming from candidates and look for substance over talk. Actions speak louder than words. Don’t let candidates get away with saying problems need to be fixed or policies need to be changed. Make them provide details about how they would fix specific problems and why certain policies need changing.

Some voters may be looking for a candidate they believe can defeat the candidate of another party come Election Day in November. Other voters may be looking for a candidate who espouses their views on specific issues. With candidates and voters, there’s always the conundrum of who is more qualified to hold an office or who is more electable. That’s something each voter must decide on his or her own.

Voting is every citizen’s right, but it is every citizen’s responsibility to educate himself or herself about candidates and their stances on issues that matter to the electorate.

Remember, candidates are accountable to voters, but voters must be wary and not trade the cow for a handful of beans.

Franklin D. Roosevelt once said: “Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education.”

John Quincy Adams said this about voting: “Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.”

Please vote, but vote smart.