Candidate deadline

Numerous local elected positions are coming up for a vote throughout the county. Friday is the last day to file for these offices and to be on the fall ballot.

These positions are of vital importance to the direction municipalities, school districts and other taxing districts take. Those elected to these posts can make a big difference.

These are the positions that intimately affect local lives and communities. The outcome of these elections often have a greater impact on communities than elections for higher offices.

This voting cycle, which is predominately local, can shape the future of communities for years to come. It gives the opportunity for citizens to serve their communities in important ways.

One need not have political aspirations, just the desire to get seriously involved in important aspects of local life.

These are non-partisan positions. That makes for true citizen involvement and freer expression. Ideas, plans and goals can be shaped for the betterment of the community or institution without preconceptions or prejudgment as to party line.

Generally, it is at the local levels of government that democracy and government by the people truly shine. The first step is to decide to run. The deadline for that is tomorrow.

An updated list of positions open for election and updates on who has filed for those positions is available on the Whitman County website.