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The races are almost over.

But before they’re done, before the polls close Tuesday at 6, we wanted to give the candidates in the hottest races and the proponents and opponents of the most contentious ballot issues a chance to have the last word.

Today you can read their arguments for their candidacies or positions in their most-distilled form, a single article, in their own words, unfiltered. We hope these help any of you who are still undecided. And for those of you who’ve already made up your mind — or cast your ballot — perhaps they’ll be a reminder of what’s at stake Tuesday and why it’s so important for all of us to participate in the democratic process.

It’s our role at Civil Beat to report on it, to scrutinize the candidates and the issues, but today, it’s their turn to tell their own stories.

• The Last Word: Charles Djou on Why Voters Should Send Him Back to Congress
• The Last Word: Colleen Hanabusa on Why She Would Best Represent Hawaii in Congress
• The Last Word: Neil Abercrombie on Why Voters Should Elect Him Governor
• The Last Word: Duke Aiona on Why Voters Should Elect Him Governor
• The Last Word: Randy Baldemor on Why Voters Should Choose Appointed Ed Board
• The Last Word: Garrett Toguchi on Why Voters Should Reject Appointed Ed Board
• The Last Word: Todd Apo on Why Honolulu Needs a Transit Authority
• The Last Word: Cliff Slater on Why Voters Should Reject Transit Authority