We’ve written many editorials through the years about the importance of shopping local. Not only does it keep money within the county, but it also helps small businesses, the mom and pop type shops that need all the support they can get.

Right now, three of Selma small businesses could use more help and although they’d probably love to do business with you, they’d also really like your vote.

Last year Rountree Outdoors was named one of Alabama’s Retailers of the Year and this year three businesses are in the running for that honor. Fuller Building & Supply Co., Sturdivant Hall Museum Shop and the Coffee Shoppe are all finalists.

The voting is taking place on Alabamaretail.org and ends on Sunday.

All three stores could use your vote, as they try to start a streak of back-to-back winners that could put Selma’s retailers on the map.

Selma’s small businesses continue to make noise nationally.

Lannie’s Barbecue was named the winner of the Legends Division in the Alabama Barbecue battle last year and G Momma’s cookies was in the running for a Super Bowl Commercial, as part of the Small Business Big Game competition put on by Intuit. Selmians showed during the barbecue battle and the Super Bowl commercial vote that they are willing to band together to vote for a local business.

Well, here’s another chance. All three businesses should be proud to be in the running this year. Plus, all of them are in different categories, so technically all three could win.