It seems like a long time since The Desert Sun published its endorsements for Tuesday's election, but it has only been about three weeks.

The early endorsements were intentional, a way to reach out to absentee voters. About a third of voters cast their ballots by mail. But the majority still go to the polls.

Here's a roundup of our endorsements:

Palm Springs City Council

Incumbents Chris Mills and Ginny Foat are the most qualified candidates to lead the city out of its economic doldrums.

The fact that there are 10 challengers, including write-in candidate Willie James Holland Sr., reflects community frustration about the course of this unique city. But none of the challengers has the experience that comes anywhere close to that of Mills and Foat.

We urge the challengers to stay involved. Serve on city committees, learn the system and come back before the voters later.

Desert Hot Springs City Council

The City Council has come a long way in the last few years, thanks to the leadership of Mayor Yvonne Parks, incumbent Scott Matas and appointed incumbent Jan Pye.

Councilman Russell Betts is challenging Parks for the mayoral seat. While Betts has been an effective council member, we see no reason to change mayors. Parks has been an effective consensus builder and should remain in her seat.

Matas and Pye face three challengers, none of whom make a strong case to alter the status quo.

Desert Water Agency

Three incumbents on the water district board — James Cioffi, Pat Oygar and Ron E. Starrs — are challenged by Armando Rancano, a management consultant.

The incumbents show a great deal of knowledge about water, which is not an easy subject to master. Although Cioffi, a Palm Springs architect, was appointed to the board in April, he attended the meetings for a year before that. He also has served on Palm Springs Planning Commission and Architectural Review Committee.

We're sticking with experience here.

Mission Springs Water District

Two challengers are taking on the two incumbents in this district, which serves Desert Hot Springs and a large area west of the city.

Challenger Jeff Bowman, a spa owner, raises legitimate questions about serious concerns about the potential threat to the mineral springs the city is known for from septic tanks. Bowman has a strong record of public service.

Nancy Wright, chairwoman of the board, shows vast knowledge of the issue and should remain.

We support Bowman and Wright.

Palm Springs Measure G

The measure would apply the telephone users utility tax to emerging communications technology and protect money that pays for the city's 911 system.

We urge a yes vote.

Coachella's Measure M

The city of Coachella faces serious budget challenges. Although it is tough to support a tax that would cost the average household $15 a month in a city where almost one in four adults are out of work, this is a necessary step.

We urge voters to support the Coachella Essential Services measure.

We also urge all voters who haven't cast ballots yet to get to the polls on Tuesday.