No matter what, it seems every year is an election year of some sort. This time around, it’s county, parish and state officials in Mississippi and Louisiana.

Qualifying has already begun for Mississippi and Adams County races. Locally, those offices include sheriff and county commission seats.

Concordia Parish contenders will qualify later in the year.

Even this early in the game, we encourage residents of Adams County and Concordia Parish to take a serious approach to the election process.

First and foremost, we encourage you to register to vote.

It’s absolutely important to let your voice be heard when it comes to choosing representatives at all levels of government.

Realize that your vote does make a difference.

Secondly, take time to consider the issues you think are important. Pay attention to how the candidates address those issues. Be a voter, but be an informed voter.

We have a number of difficult issues facing our states and our communities, from the need for new jobs and economic development strategies to finding ways to combat budget shortages.

We’re facing a difficult time in our economy, and we need leaders who can step up and make a difference.

But we also need voters &045; and candidates &045; who can be informed about those problems and can be proactive about looking for solutions and looking for the right people to provide those solutions.