There may not be a mayoral or presidential race this year, but the positions that are up for election are just as critical and influential to the city of Berkeley’s future.

There are four Berkeley City Council seats up for election this year. And after 22 years, Councilmember Kriss Worthington — who represents District 7, a largely student-populated area — will not seek re-election, leaving his long-held seat up for grabs. On top of that, the city auditor position is up for election. The Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board will see five new members elected, and the Berkeley Unified School District board will see three. At a time when affordable housing and education reform are two of Berkeley’s most pressing issues, these seats aren’t something Berkeley residents should take lightly.

Candidates running for county, state and federal positions represent a variety of different platforms. As November approaches, Berkeley residents must think critically about how these candidates will represent them and their city’s values at different levels of government.

The midterm elections will take place Nov. 6.