It’s hard to believe it, but we are only six months away from the general election.

This year there are several key positions up for election. In addition to the state and federal positions that have been discussed more regularly in recent months, there are several local positions on both the city, county and school district  levels that will be up for election.

These positions have a major impact on the community and can help determine the direction we will go in the future. This year, the positions up for election include the following:

• Freeborn County sheriff

• Freeborn County commissioner districts 2 and 4

• Albert Lea mayor

• Albert Lea wards 2, 4 and 6

• Four school board seats

The filing period for all but the school board seats begins later this month on May 22 and runs through June 5. The filing for the school board is July 31 until Aug. 14. 

We encourage people who are passionate about the community and who want to stand up for the fellow residents to consider running for office.

After the filing period closes, the primary election will be Aug. 14.