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The filing period for city, county, state and federal offices is right around the corner.

Candidates may file for office from 8 a.m. May 19 until 5 p.m. June 2.

Seats up for election are wards 1, 3 and 5 for the Albert Lea City Council and districts 1, 3 and 5 for the Freeborn County Board of Commissioners. Seats are also open for districts 1, 2 and 5 for the Freeborn County Soil & Water Conservation District.

People interested in filing for a City Council seat are asked to leave a message for City Clerk Daphney Maras at 377-4335 or by email at dmaras@ci.albertlea.mn.us. Maras said depending on the governor’s orders, she can email candidates an affidavit and provide instructions over the phone or email.

Residents who wish to file for a county or state position should do so through the Freeborn County Auditor-Treasurer’s Office, and candidates filing for federal office should do so through the Secretary of State’s Office.

In addition, it will be the time for candidates for state and U.S. senator and representative to officially file for office, though they have likely already been campaigning.

The coming months will be critical for governments on all levels, and we need local, state and national representatives who are willing to make difficult decisions with the best interests of their constituents in mind.

Money in the coming year is guaranteed to be short because of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and cuts will likely have to be made. Though it is a difficult time to enter local, state or national politics, it is vital to have strong leaders.

We hope people will consider running for these positions and being leaders for the community.