Months of shaking hands, putting up signs and talking about the issues all comes to a head today.

When 2009 first began, none of us dreamed we would be selecting a new sheriff. The unexpected death of Sheriff Ronny Brown took the county by surprise.

His death left a hole in our collective hearts, but also a hole in our system of law enforcement.

Today voters head to the polls to make their selections for filling the position of Adams County sheriff.

While no one will replace Brown, for he was a unique individual, several of the men running possess some of Brown’s greatest traits, especially his care for people from all walks of life.

The field of candidates is a diverse one, but all candidates have one great thing in common — a desire to protect and serve for the common good of the county.

Since that’s the case any of the men on the ballot can do the basics of the job. That means it’s a matter of voters choosing the absolute best candidate who they feel can lead the sheriff’s office to excellence. Many of you made up your mind months ago on which candidate you’ll choose.

But if you’re still undecided, please don’t just avoid voting altogether. Spend a few minutes reading up on the candidates. We’ve created a special place on our Web site where you can see complete coverage of the race including the candidate’s own platforms.

To find this area, simply go to natchezdemocrat.com and click on the large sheriff’s badge link at the top right of the page.

The only bad vote today is the vote not cast.

Please make sure you head to the polls and exercise your choice for the man who will lead the men and women who keep our community safe.