The election season is in full swing nationally, but also right here at home in Dallas County. Qualification for the upcoming Aug. 23 municipal elections ended on Tuesday and now the campaigning is on in the races for mayor, school board and city council.

If there’s anything we can all agree on it’s this — this is an important election season for our city and county. Selma has plenty of bright spots, but the opportunity for growth is abundant as well.

However, that growth is dependent on Selma’s tourism, the future of the St. James Hotel, our school systems — the same topics many of us debate every day all day with friends, family or on Facebook.

The key is finding the right candidates that can lead Selma into the future.

Next week is a chance to hear what each mayoral candidate has to say about what’s going on in Selma. One Selma will host a forum July 31 at Selma High School’s auditorium.

Questions have been accepted for weeks and more will be accepted as people walk into the forum.

After the 3 p.m. mayor forum, the Links of Selma are planning another forum for council president and council members that begins at 5:30 p.m.

We appreciate both organizations holding these forums and cannot emphasize enough how important it is for Selma citizens to attend them. This is a rare chance for people to hear from everyone in the election cycle on one day.

Hopefully voters, should be able to get answers to all their questions during that one day. We hope people take advantage of the opportunity to hear what candidates have to say.