The ugliest Presidential election in modern history culminates Tuesday.

Democrat Hillary Clinton could still be under FBI investigation, and even indicted, after this election. Clinton’s political failure as secretary of state, her poor judgment and personal corruption, have contributed to events causing total collapse of trust in our political system. It leaves us with no choice but to cast the only realistic vote available for change.

At least Donald Trump is right on most of the issues while Hillary would be a dangerous extension of America’s decline. So, foul mouth and personal character flaws not withstanding, there is a choice. Hillary has disqualified herself. Incredulously, my endorsement has to go to Donald Trump.

At Maine’s congressional level, Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-1st District, is expected to easily win re-election in the heavily Democratic 1st District. Pingree has an extreme progressive-liberal record, therefore I favor her opponent, Mark Holbrook.

In the 2nd District, incumbent Republican Rep. Bruce Poliquin, a Waterville product who gained personal financial success the hard way — “he earned it” — is one of the few in Congress who fights for fiscal constraints. He understands that our greatest threat may be the careening national debt. Replacing Poliquin with big government candidate Emily Cain, in a conservative district, would not be a good fit for that part of Maine.

Many local area House and Senate seats are uncontested, or in some cases, like the race with Republican Sen. Roger Katz, whom I endorse for re-election, the contest is not competitive.

One exception is the district where Democrat Shenna Bellows, former ACLU director. She doesn’t represent the views of her district, but probably will win impressively because of a highly professional political campaign.

An excellent, highly qualified Republican candidate, former Navy admiral Bryan Cutchen, would be a much better choice. Even Joe Pietroski, an independent candidate, would be preferable, but is probably only spoiling Cutchen’s chances against Bellows.

For Senate District 14 I endorse Cutchen.

In city politics, Augusta has two outstanding candidates: Mark O’Brien, a former interim mayor and school board chairman, and former pro-growth legislator Corey Wilson, for two at-large council seats. A third candidate, newcomer Jim Paulette, has conducted a disappointing campaign.

The Ward 3 council race to succeed Pat Paradis (who was term-limited) promises to be much more competitive.

Former at-large Councilor Stan Koski; Harold Elliot Jr., who tried unsuccessfully to unseat Dave Rollins a few years ago; and perennial candidate Jarody, who has run an interesting campaign, are vying for Paradis’ seat.

The north end is the most conservative sector of the Augusta electorate. Koski made his reputation as a fiscal conservative councilor fighting against property tax increases. He almost upset Mayor Bill Dowling in an election decided by a very small margin.

Elliot is the choice of some active establishment politicians. However, voters may want to bring budget watchdog Koski back. Koski can win if Jarody’s vote proves insignificant to the outcome.

For Augusta City Council, I endorse Mark O’Brien, Corey Wilson and Stan Koski.

On the board of education, administration critic Ed Hastings is challenged by newcomer Holly Kiidli, who supports the school board chairman and superintendent. Kiidli, qualified, but not known politically, is an impressive long shot. She would bring a breath of fresh air to the school board, and I endorse her.

For Kennebec County board of commissioners, experienced Commissioner Patsy Crockett, a Democrate, should be elected to a full term in the position formerly held by her close friend, the late Bev Daggett.

For Kennebec County sheriff, interim Sheriff Ryan Reardon, a Democrat, deserves a full term. Reardon, his party’s nominee, is the choice for continuity, and his opposition to marijuana legalization.

Libby Mitchell, a Democrat and widow of the late Jim Mitchell, should have his job as Kennebec County judge of probate, because she is qualified.

On referendum issues, let’s review my columns’ previous endorsements:

No on Question 1, for the dangerous legalization of marijuana.

No on Question 2, a discriminatory 3 percent tax surcharge on higher income taxpayers for additional eduction funding.

Yes on Question 3, a loop-hole closing reasonable requirement for gun purchase background checks.

No on Question 4, a job-destroying eventual increase of 60 percent in the minimum wage from $7.50 an hour to $12 an hour.

No, on Question 5, against the crazy idea of ranked-choice voting, where losers become winners, and someone finishing third could be declared the winner over the candidate with the most first-place votes.

See you at the polls!

Don Roberts is a veteran broadcaster, writer and political consultant. He has served Augusta as a city councilor at-large, charter commission vice chairman and utilities district treasurer.