Arab Americans voting at Woodworth Middle School, March 9.

DEARBORN — While Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton have been dominating headlines for the past several months, local elections are just as— if not more— important to the wellbeing of the community.

The voters of Dearborn will elect a new judge and state representative in incumbent-free contests. The primary election on August 2 could determine the outcome of both races.

As it has been the case in recent times, a candidate’s victory could hinge on a few votes. Absentee ballots can be decisive. Ask Hillary Clinton. Early voting gave the presumptive Democratic nominee the edge over Sen. Bernie Sanders in several states.

For the Arab American community, whose members sometimes spend lengthy summer vacations in their home countries, absentee ballots could be the only way to vote.

We talked to the city clerk’s office. Here’s what you need to know about early voting:

To get an absentee ballot you have to be an eligible registered voter. You have to be over the age of 60 or unable to make it to the polls because of absence on election day or a physical disability.

Voters have to fill out an absentee ballot form, which is available on the city’s website at http://bit.ly/29rReb5. A physical copy of the application can be obtained from the clerk’s office at the Dearborn Administrative Center, 16901 Michigan Ave.

The city then issues the voters an absentee ballot mails it to their home.

It is not too early to request your absentee ballot. But the deadline to turn in the ballot is 8 p.m. on election day.