Get in the game

Elections are coming up a week from today in Malone and Campbellton. Unfortunately, with one exception, the results are a foregone conclusion.

With no less than eight positions up for election, voters are being given a choice in just one race. This is unfortunate.

We don’t mean to imply that the incumbents aren’t doing their jobs. Indeed, we commend them for the time and effort they put in to representing their constituents, and for volunteering to serve once again.

However, voters need to be given choices if democracy at the local level is to flourish. Races require that the candidates address issues, and state where they stand on them. Running unopposed essentially means not having to answer any difficult questions.

It is too late at this point for any other potential candidates to be added to the ballot. Next time around, we hope to see more residents come forward and offer to serve. The old saying is “If you don’t vote, you can’t complain.” The same is true of political office. If residents decline to throw their hats in the ring, they can’t really complain if their local government isn’t everything they hoped it would be. This country has spent some 220 years refining its democracy.

One of the keys to that democracy is participation. Sitting on the sidelines isn’t an option. People need to get in the game.