Many people will go their entire lives without volunteering. For others, helping is an ingrained way of life. For still others, it becomes a duty, one that benefits friends, family, neighbors and strangers.

Such is the case for those who run for office and take on that role of taking care of their community, its buildings, its programs and its people. Many of these positions aren’t paid. In fact, it’s the opposite. Those holding office pay into town coffers both time and energy, making appearances at town functions after a long day of work. They do their research before the town meetings and study the issues that affect themselves and their neighbors in order to make decisions that best serve the entire community.

It’s a huge responsibility.

If a person has served for many years on a town board and was re-elected Tuesday; if someone has served on that board for a term or several and was not re-elected Tuesday; if a newcomer campaigned for the job and won or lost Tuesday, these people should be thanked for their service and expending the effort and interest to look out for their town.

What’s interesting about municipal elections is that, for the most part, they transcend partisan politics. There is no red or blue when it comes to deciding property taxes, water and utility rates or whether children of county residents are charged more to play in city rec leagues. There is no marked political line when deciding how much funding a city provides for its arts, events, programs and employees. Though there may be arguments, everyone is on the same side — that side being what’s best for a community.

So win or lose, newly seated or incumbent: congratulations to Tuesday’s winners.

But for those who didn’t win their race: thank you for your effort and making a statement that people can, and should, be willing to work for their community.