Tuesday, May 18, 2021 is Primary Election Day – Don't forget to vote. 

            In addition to state and local judges, local school boards and government seats will be looking to be filled. It is important for candidates to get their messages to voters to help them make their own decisions instead of having others tell them how to vote.

            Candidates and voters need to know what the requirements are for elected office and whether or not a candidate is capable of performing the duties. Too many people get elected without having a clue of what their responsibilities will be, and never bother to learn after they are elected. Shame on them.

            Is that the fault of the candidates or the voters?

            The Town and Country newspaper is once again inviting candidates running in the primary election to email, fax or mail their information for publication in our Candidates Section to be published on May 13, 2021.

            In addition to a short biography that includes the candidate's name, party affiliation and position being sought, the candidate should list any prior government-related and elected positions held.

            We encourage candidates to include educational, business, or other credentials and experiences that help to identify their qualifications for the position.

            Most importantly, the candidate should include a brief statement outlining why he or she is seeking the position, and present a position statement on a timely subject that affects our state, county or community.  Information submitted should be less than 350 words.  Submissions greater than 300 words may be edited.  A photo of the candidate can also be included for publication.  The Town and Country provides the Candidates Section as a service to voters and there is no cost for a candidate to publish information that adheres to the guidelines.

            The deadline for receiving candidate information is noon on Friday, May 7.

            Letters to the editor regarding the upcoming general election will be accepted from non-candidates until noon on May 10 for publication in the May 13 edition.

Election-related Letters to the Editor from candidates will be accepted until noon on May 17 for publication in the May 20 edition. Letters should be 300 words or less and all other letters to the editor rules will apply.

            Information can be emailed to TownAndCountry@UPVNews.com.

            The deadline for election-related advertising is Monday at noon for publication in that Thursday's edition.

            Let the voters know who you are, what you have done, what you can do, and how you will do it.

            Let them know who is running and what direction you're running in.