The New York Times published an op-ed by poet Maurice Manning yesterday on his understanding of conservatism. In the essay, the Kentucky native and Washington County resident explains how he exercises his conservative values through his work on his farm and in his rural community:

Coal’s share of the nation’s electricity is declining. But schools are still graduating mining engineers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the job outlook is growing at an average pace. And in Kentucky, there are more students studying mining engineering than ever before in the program’s history.

NPR recently set out to explore an often over-looked segment of the American public -- those who can vote, but choose not to. The story provided brief explanations from several non-voters across the country. The people NPR talked to had a variety of reasons for not participating: a sense that their vote doesn't matter, a belief that money dictates policy more than votes -- and the knowledge that registering increases your chances of being called for jury duty.

The finish line is in sight as voters make their final decisions on Election Day. Here's a guide to key times of the day across the nation. Stay with NPR throughout the day as we follow the presidential race and key battles that will determine control of the House and Senate.

Join NPR to hear live coverage, which begins at 8 p.m. EST on NPR.org and many member stations.

(Revised at 5:46 pm ET)

On the final day of the 2012 campaign for the White House, President Obama and Mitt Romney are making the last push for votes in states each believes critical to achieving the 270 Electoral College votes needed for victory.

Obama was scheduled to campaign in three swing states, while Romney had events planned in four. The only overlap was in Ohio, considered the linchpin of the election.

Lexington’s proposal to create an online platform that would post city government data, identify civic problems, and crowd-source innovative solutions is among 20 finalists in a nationwide contest for local governments.

Bloomberg Philanthropies announced today that CitizenLex.org made it to the final round of judging in the 2012 Mayors Challenge. Lexington Mayor Jim Gray says CitizenLex would allow the city to be more efficient and responsive.

In the race for the Louisville Metro Council District 26 seat, Democratic incumbent Brent Ackerson and Republican challenger Sarah Provancher are trading jabs in the final days of the campaign.

The two candidates released a series of mailers this weekend, including attack ads that questioned each other’s qualifications.

Ackerson’s mailer asks voters: "Would you elect somone who doesn't even vote?" It alleges that Provancher has only voted in 20 percent of elections since 2006, and missed last year's gubernatorial contest altogether.

Provancher said that like most Americans she does not have a perfect voting record on each election, but she is running to improve neighborhoods and city services.

Both the Republican and Democratic candidates in central Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District were on the road today. Republican Challenger Andy Barr rode a bus to Winchester, Irvine, Ravenna, Midway, and Georgetown.

While taking a lunch break in downtown Richmond, Barr said he has connected with voters from both political parties.

The ethics trial against Louisville Metro Councilwoman Barbara Shanklin begins Tuesday morning, but it could take two months before the ethics commission makes its ruling.

Shanklin has been accused of violating five provisions in the city’s ethics ordinance, including writing over $14,000 in checks to relatives.