Candidates filling up this year's ballots

While presidential election years attract a lot of attention and generally spark higher voter turnouts, this year's balloting for county, state and federal officials is just as important. In addition, this year's election will have more candidates likely to be known to voters simply because they are our friends and neighbors.

Cape Girardeau County voters will be voting for a U.S. senator, U.S. representative, four state representatives and nine county officials this year. Candidates from each party will be chosen in the August primary, and officeholders will be picked in the November general election.

Already, several individuals have stepped forward to put their names on the ballot. Incumbents are seeking re-election in every instance except for county auditor -- Weldon Macke is retiring -- and state representative in the 157th District -- David Schwab is term limited.

Congratulations to all the candidates. By running, they are making a valuable contribution to the democratic process.