April 2 was the last day to qualify with a political party to run as a candidate in the June 1 primary.

For those of us in the Probate Office, Sheriff’s Department, Circuit Clerk’s Office, Voter Registration and the many Shelby County poll workers, this means election time is fast approaching and we are busy laying the groundwork for another election season.

Typically most voters don’t really start paying attention to the candidates until the last few weeks, sometimes even days, before the election.

I think we all should start earlier and make a real effort to learn about the candidates and their positions on the issues that are important to each of us.

A good starting point in candidate selection is deciding what issues are important to you.

Identify the important issues, then look for those candidates that share your positions on those issues.

The candidates are starting to put their information out; it’s up to you to read through it.

There are important issues that will be influenced by the outcome of the elections this year.

Obviously, there are the big issues like electronic bingo, fiscal responsibility, health care and integrity in government.

There may be other issues that touch you or your family and are more important to you.

I hope you will spend some time thinking seriously about what you are looking for in the candidates for the various races and then deciding which candidates meet your needs.

Then, on June 1, go to the polls and cast a ballot based on your informed opinion in each race. All of us that work in the election system promise to deliver fair and free elections.

It is up to you to ensure that the best candidates are nominated and elected, and that depends on you becoming familiar with the candidates early and learning their positions on the many important issues.

We look forward to seeing you at the polls on June 1 for the primary, July 13 for the primary runoff and November 2 for the general election. Your vote does matter.