The field is set. The candidates are many. The decision will be yours.

Five of seven incumbents in countywide offices had opposition and all five incumbent supervisors had challengers when the curtain closed on filing Tuesday. Party primaries are set for Aug. 2, and the general election is slated for Nov. 8.

For the citizens, this is the time to listen, read and learn about the candidates. There is much to be learned in such a crowded field of candidates. Seven people are running for circuit clerk, six for chancery clerk, five for both the tax assessor and District 1 supervisor post, and four are in the running for supervisor District 2 and District 5 posts. The race for sheriff, tax collector and supervisor Districts 3 and 4 have two candidates each.

In tight economic times affecting every level of government, tough decisions will have to be made. Those decisions should be made by an informed electorate. Decisions as important as picking representatives in public office should not be a popularity contest. Rather, the choice should be about who’s the best man or woman to take this county further into the 21st century.

Over the next five months, candidates will hold forums, knock on doors and hand out campaign literature. Front lawns will turn into candidate sign depots. Candidates will use catch words and phrases to woo the voters. The more informed the voters are, the less likely they are to be influenced by colorful but shallow talk.

As residents of Warren County, we have a duty to elect the best possible candidates. It is incumbent on citizens to learn and study so that when exiting the polling booth every person can hold his or her head high knowing decisions were informed and researched.

Forty-eight men and women are running for county offices. That’s a lot of choices. Get informed now. Become educated now. Help chart the course for this county now.