When it comes to November’s general election, what are the issues that matter most to you? What are the issues that will drive your election decision?

Regardless of the race, whether it is governor, Warren County Board of Supervisor, Warren County Sheriff, or another on the ballot, there has to be something meaningful, a deep connection to an issue, that helps you make the decision of who to vote for in each of those races.

And, if there’s not, then you as the voter have not done enough research to know where each candidate stands on the issues that are important to you.

When it comes to Warren County Board of Supervisors, each of the five districts are up for grabs. In two of those districts, the incumbent was defeated in the primary, which means someone new will be taking the seat. For those who live in those districts, do you know where those candidates stand on issues such as economic development, plans to address needs in infrastructure or the future of the new jail project?

For those who live in districts where the incumbent is still in the race, you have years of voting records, statements and decisions to lean on in helping your decision, while those challenging those incumbents must work hard to get their positions known. Do you know who they are? What their positions are?

When it comes to elections, the job of learning about a candidate and their position is not the candidate’s job. Rather, it is the voter’s job. As a candidate, your job is to be able to clearly state what you stand for, what you believe and why you feel those positions, those beliefs are better than your opponent.

With less than four weeks remaining before the Nov. 5 general election, it’s time to start cramming for the civics test that is the general election. It is time to know the candidates and the differences between them.

It is time to become educated on the issues and place priority on those issues that are important to you, your family and your community.

Today, our community needs more than voters going to the polls simply based on party. Instead, we need an electorate who is educated and who has put in the work to know their votes — and the candidates they support — are best for our community.