Baldwin County is what it sets out to be

Published 8:00 am Saturday, April 9, 2016

Qualifying is over and by now, we all know whose names will be on the ballot in the upcoming general primary election.

Before any of us know it, early voting will have already begun. In the meantime, though, we all have an opportunity to take pause and listen to what this year’s candidates have to say.

While we can’t overlook the importance of voting, not only this year but also in every election, the preliminary steps — doing the research on the candidates and weighing their positions on the issues — is vastly important and can’t be overstated.

This is a major voting year, not only because of the presidential election, but also because there are a number of key local races to decide. Two county commission seats and board of education seats as well as Baldwin County’s state House of Representatives seat will all be decided this year. That’s in addition to a judge’s seat, which local voters have not had an opportunity to cast ballots and decide for more than three decades.

The deadline to register to vote for the upcoming primary is approaching quickly — April 26. Primary election day is May 24, with advance voting kicking off in early March. Time is of the essence to hear from the candidates and decide. It’s important that we remain open-minded and hear from all sides — weighing what’s most important to this community.

With so much at stake, apathy and lack of involvement must not be an option.

Remember that Baldwin County is responsible for the change it wishes to see in its own community. An inactive and uninformed voting public will not get the job done. Active and engaged citizens can.