Last Friday was the last day for candidates to qualify to run in the upcoming primary, which will be held June 6.

In many races, there’s not much of a choice – and that’s no reflection on those candidates who threw their hats in the ring.

In three out of five local elections, there is no contest, because only one person is running for the office. The slot for Dallas County Coroner, and two seats on the Dallas County School Board, are basically already filled – there’s only one person whose name will appear on the ballot.

In the race for Dallas County Probate Judge and Dallas County Sheriff there are choices.

And choices are a good thing.

In state elections, there are two candidates in the State Senate District 23 race and in the State House Representative District 69 race. But there is only one candidate each making a bid for State House Representative District 67, Circuit Court Judge and Circuit Clerk.

Making the decision to run for office is tough for candidates and those who have made this initial bid for office should be commended. These candidates have a tough road ahead of them.

During the next month or so, it’s up to the voters to educate themselves on those candidates, making a decision about who to support.

There’s a lot of talk right now in the national media about immigration reform and the importance of citizenship.

The voting process – and the ability to make our choice – is the most fundamental of our responsibilities as citizens of this country.

This is your opportunity to have a say in the future government in this county and district. It would be a better opportunity if there were more choices, and let’s hope that will be the case in future elections. As it is, we do have a slate of qualified candidates in some races.

The day should come when there are dozens of names on the ballot for each office, representing various political parties. Until that day comes, make an educated choice and support one of these candidates.