It’s that time again — the time of year when the temperature turns cooler, leaves begin to fall ... and campaign signs begin to fill lawns and roadsides.

Annoying as those campaign signs might be to some, they are an encouraging reminder that the democratic process is working well. It’s with that goal in mind that we write this same encouragement — or something very much like it — for people to become involved in the process.

Filings for local political offices opened Tuesday, and there are a plethora of seats up for grabs. A quick count reveals 45 elected positions will be on ballots throughout Meeker County in November — 17 city council seats, seven mayors, 10 school board seats and 11 township board positions.

That’s a lot of spots where people could make a difference in the area’s governmental processes.
It’s the perfect opportunity for anyone who’s ever thought, “I want to help my community,” or grumbled “How could they have made such a decision?”

Filing for office is relatively quick and easy. Contact your  local city, school or township leadership for information — or read the story that begins on the front page of this week’s paper to find out where to go to file or for more information.

Despite the interest in local government issues, rural communities often have difficulty finding a full slate of candidates for public office. That’s unfortunate.

It is important to our form of government that voters have a choice when going to the polls.

We might also say it’s important even to incumbent officeholders. After all, having an opponent or two in an election forces candidates to campaign, to refine their message — even to consider thoughtfully why they ran for office in the first place.

Electoral opposition does not necessarily mean an incumbent has done a bad job. Instead, it could mean a higher profile platform from which to explain how they might do an even better job if re-elected.

For first-timers, running for office can be energizing and enlightening. Learning more about the political and governmental process is never a bad thing — individually or for the community as a whole.

So, take a look. Don’t just say “I could have done better.” Give yourself the opportunity to prove it.