While running unopposed is often the best-case scenario for political candidates, a crowded field of candidates can also be taken as a good sign. Participation in local elections, whether as a candidate, volunteer, poll worker or helper, is a vital part of ensuring residents’ voices are heard.

 

Meridian’s mayoral candidates may be looking glumly at the number of opponents they face heading into the primary elections, but each candidate brings with them new challenges and questions the city’s future mayor will need to overcome to take office.

 

Running for office is not an endeavor to be taken lightly. It is expensive, time consuming and disruptive to the daily lives of both the candidates and their supporters. And, there is no guarantee that they will receive anything but defeat for their efforts.

 

Despite the downsides, Meridian has drawn a good number of mayoral candidates, as well as candidates running for each of the five seats on the City Council, and it is encouraging to see a diverse lineup of Meridianites throwing their names in the hat.

 

Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democracy from the federal level all the way down to small towns and school boards. Those elections, however, can only give voters choices when multiple candidates agree to run.

 

Post election pundits often decry a lack of voter engagement, especially around congressional midterms, but voter engagement is only one half of the equation. Candidate engagement is just as important, and Meridian is fortunate to have residents from a variety of professions and backgrounds who are willing to step up and lead.

 

With the qualifying deadline for candidates passing at 5 p.m. Friday, the final field of candidates has been set. Now it is up to the voters to learn about each candidate’s priorities, make a decision and decide who will be the next leader of Meridian.