All of the fussing, talking, promising, handshaking and backslapping culminates today. Natchez city elections — at least the primaries — are all over but the voting today.

From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. today, voters in the City of Natchez head to the polls to select a city clerk, two aldermen and the Democratic nominees for mayor and two additional aldermen who face challengers in June’s general election.

This year’s city races have been particularly interesting with all but three of the nine city elected positions — two aldermen and the municipal judge — seeing challengers face incumbents.

Although having large numbers of candidates may make it more difficult for voters to make the best decision, seeing many citizens step up to the plate in an effort to become involved in local government is refreshing.

Our country’s government depends on the elections process to carefully — hopefully without great discord — select the public’s representatives in government.

Despite flaws, the system actually works pretty well. Most elections get off without many hitches, candidates are fairly elected and the government transitions smoothly.

But our government’s success starts with each of you. If you’re a registered voter in the City of Natchez, please take the time to go to the polls today. The City’s future is in your hands.