Local elections will be more crowded than in recent years.
Traditionally, our elections draw a few challenges, but incumbents — especially Republican incumbents — have little to worry about.
This year, there is plenty of opposition.
As of Thursday evening, one Democrat will run for the Catawba County Board of Commissioners. Three incumbent Republicans will be challenged by candidates within their own party.
There will be primaries for clerk of court, the 88th N.C. House District and district attorney.
The 10th Congressional District will have a primary, too.
And there will be opposition on the November ballot.
Filing for the Catawba County Board of Education, a nonpartisan election, doesn't open until June 7. No matter how many candidates file, there's no primary.
If the partisan elections are an indication, we can expect several people to vie for the four seats up for grabs.
Elections are democracy at work. Contesting public offices is citizen government at its best.
Competition keeps everyone on their toes. There is no better way to ensure all issues are addressed.
Even when the public seems perfectly satisfied with incumbents, election challenges have a positive effect on governance.
Candidates may seek public office because they're dissatisfied with the status quo. They may run because they simply want to engage in public service.
Whatever the reason, seeking to serve is not necessarily a signal that something is wrong, but that patriotic spirit is strong and the call to service has been heard.
We will see the best — and possibly less than the best — from our candidates in the coming months.
What we need to do as citizens is make sure we're registered to vote. And then go vote.
It's a lot harder to be a candidate than it is to cast a ballot or stand around and do nothing.
Early voting, absentee voting or marking a ballot on Election Day is how we say thank you to those wanting to serve the public interest.
Voting how we say thanks for freedom and tell everyone that the people intend to be in control.
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