This November, there are numerous elections happening throughout the greater Cazenovia area, as well as at the county level in positions that affect our area residents. While a majority of the elections in Cazenovia, Nelson and Fenner are, unfortunately yet typically, uncontested, there are a few that have challengers — and we hope that residents will pay attention, learn about the candidates and turn out to the polls to cast their votes.

For Cazenovia town board, the two incumbents are being challenged by the former school board president, while in Fenner three challengers are seeking the job of highway superintendent that is open due to the retirement of Jack Sevier. At the county level, both the county clerk and county sheriff races have no incumbents running. This diversity and competition not only makes elections interesting, it is a dire necessity.

Out of the 60 percent or so of Americans who are registered to vote, only about 50 percent of those actually cast ballots on election days. Why is this number so low? Part of it is apathy in general, but part of it, at the local level, is because so many races are uncontested. As we have said numerous times throughout the years, we don’t care how exceptional a public servant is, every election, every candidate needs competition. Without challenge, people grow complacent; without new ideas, governing bodies can become stagnant.

We urge our readers this election cycle to learn about your local and county candidates and get out and vote. The League of Women Voters of Cazenovia is holding two election forums in October to help you learn about the issues and the candidates. And, if you are tired of uncontested elections, why not get involved and become a candidate yourself?