In only nine days, Brookhaven citizens will go to the polls to begin the process of electing the leaders who will serve our city for the next four years.

On Tuesday, May 7, voters will have the option of either casting a Democratic or Republican primary election ballot. In there fails to be a majority winner in any of the races, then a runoff primary will be held Tuesday, May 21.

Finally, on June 4, the general election ballot will feature the winners of the Democratic and Republican primaries, along with independent candidates.

This election, like all elections, is an important time. Our nation was founded on the principle of representative democracy, and it continues to thrive because citizens have done their part, both by running for office and by casting informed votes on election day.

To help citizens in the vital process of choosing our next set of city leaders, The Daily Leader today is including a special Political Profiles edition in our Sunday paper.

The section contains biographical information supplied by the candidates on questionnaires provided by the newspaper. The forms were mailed to every candidate, and nearly every individual running chose to participate. In addition, the participating candidates also answered questions about their qualifications and their reason for running for office.

Today’s special edition also includes sample ballots, a ward map and precinct lists. Voters in the Brookhaven election will cast their ballots in the city polling places, not in the ones used for county elections.

In addition to today’s special election edition, we also are publishing front-page articles with the candidates’ answers to some of the pressing questions facing the city.

We hope that you, the voters, will find today’s special section and the stories in the newspaper leading up to the election are helpful as you determine who will get your votes.

Brookhaven is a unique and wonderful place, and we all need to do our part to ensure a positive future for our city.

So, educate yourselves on the candidates and the issues, and then go vote!