This time next year, the political landscape in Dallas County will look much different than it does today.

The county’s top three offices — probate judge, sheriff and circuit clerk — will have new people in their places. Probate Judge Kim Ballard and Sheriff  Harris Huffman will not seek reelection, and Cheryl Strong-Ratcliff recently stepped down as clerk. The county is losing decades of experience in those offices.

We wish them each the best of luck and thank them for their many years of service. They have each played a role in shaping the county during their time in office and will leave big shoes to fill for their predecessors.

Now, as we look toward the future, is the time for those interested in running for office to qualify for the upcoming election, which is scheduled for June 5.

Qualifying for both the Republican and Democratic parties opened Monday morning, and will close Feb. 9 at 5 p.m. Anyone interested in running for office must qualify to run during that time frame and must have their paperwork filed and fees paid.

Other seats up for grabs in Dallas County during the election are two seats on the Dallas County Board of Education, coroner, Dallas County Democratic Executive Committee, circuit judge place 1, state representative for District 67 and state senator for District 23.

The primary election is scheduled for June 5, a primary runoff, if needed, is scheduled for July 17, and the general election will take place on Nov. 6.

It takes a good, hardworking, dedicated person to make a difference in the community. We encourage anyone that is motivated to help our community grow and strive for greatness to qualify for office. Now is the time for those people to step up to the plate and help lead.

For all those qualifying in this election, we wish them the best of luck and hope the county has a great selection of candidates to vote and depend on if elected.