Election Day

After months of speculation, political jockeying, selection processes and campaigning, today voters will head to the polls to elect a representative for the 8th Congressional District.

The vote comes about six months after former U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson announced her resignation. Emerson left the House in January to take a position with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association as CEO.

Listed on the ballot will be Republican Jason Smith, Democrat Steve Hodges, Libertarian Bill Slantz and Constitution Party candidate Doug Enyart. Two write-in candidates also are hoping to be elected.

There have been forums and a debate. The candidates have made their case to voters, sharing viewpoints on many important issues facing the country.

This has been a significant contest for the district. For some voters, it will be the first time not to vote for Bill or Jo Ann Emerson, who represented the area in the halls of Congress for 30-plus years.

While it's a special election with only one race in which to vote, the importance of today's vote should not be overlooked. Citizen involvement in the political process, regardless of the contest, is vital to a healthy democracy. We hope you make your voice heard.

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.