As promised a week ago, this is a continuation regarding upcoming elections. Two elections remain this year to express our thoughts and impose our influence on the direction of our government. Hear, hear, democracy.

Now, for the Nov. 5 election, the names on the ballot will be decided by primaries or caucus except for individuals running as independent candidates. We will go to the polls to select our U.S. president, one U.S. senator, our U.S. 4th or 6th District representative, the 16th District state senator and 43rd District state representative. At the local level, Centertown mayor and alderman, McMinnville mayor and aldermen, Viola mayor and aldermen and also Morrison aldermen will be selected. In these local decisions, not everyone will be up for re-election as the offices come for a vote in off-setting years.

Interesting to note, primaries or caucuses are both acceptable ways of running under the respective Republican or Democratic banner. One side-note, to run as a Republican, a candidate must have voted as a declared Republican in three or more of the last four primaries.

If you desire the work of a public official, my suggestion is to call the Election Commission Office at (931) 473-5834 for an appointment to discuss your possibilities well ahead of the specific election. This will be your first step to an increase in major responsibilities.

For your candidacy with one of the cities, the first day to pick up a petition is Monday, June 17, 2024 and qualifying deadline is Thursday, Aug. 15 at noon.

I admire anyone who puts themselves out there to serve the public of their area. In this era of litigation and disrespect for authority, a great deal of courage is required.

To summarize, my two submittals are designed to easily understand the purpose of the upcoming elections. August election is to decide who are the major candidates for the national and state offices as well as the property assessor and a couple of contested school board members. November election is to decide our president for the next four years as well as senators and representatives at the national and state level. In simple terms, the August election is a precursor or preparation to determine who can be considered as representing the two major parties and any independent candidates at the federal and state level.

I know, I know, the process can be confusing, but the responsibility is ours to maintain our freedoms with democracy for the greatest country in the world. See you at the polls.

Standard contributor Don Alexander can be contacted at dalexander@southernstandard.com