Anyone who has read a newspaper, watched television for any length of time, or in most any way paid attention over the past few months knows election season is upon us.

Far from the nation-wide tours, major network shows and slick-though-inaccurate commercials built around the national elections, are some races that hold nearly equal — if not greater — importance in our community.

The filing period for candidates who want to run for one of two open seats on the Pilot Mountain Board of Commissioners and for four seats open on the Mount Airy School Board is under way.

As of closing yesterday two candidates had filed for those offices. We hope to see more filing before the Aug. 3 noontime deadline.

That’s not to say we have any particular problem with those already holding the offices. We just believe a community is generally better off with more choices, when more people are actively engaged in the local political and governing process.

Again, that’s not to stir up trouble where none exists. Anyone living within the jurisdictions of these two governing bodies, who are pleased with the job being done by those already holding office — and assuming they decide to seek re-election — should by all means support their re-election bid.

However, if you feel their work is lacking, or even if you feel they have done a good job, but you believe still-better work should be done, we encourage you to throw your hat into the ring. Or at the very least, find the candidate you think could do the job to your satisfaction and support her or his candidacy.

The more people involved in the election — and governing — process, the better we all are.