In two days voters in Mount Airy, Dobson, and Pilot Mountain will have the chance to cast a ballot and select who will be among the towns’ elected leadership for the next few years.

Mount Airy has had perhaps the most visible race, with a field of four candidates running for the post of mayor. An October primary cut that field down to two, and those candidates have been participating in forums, speaking before local groups, advertising their message, and knocking on doors throughout the city.

There also are two city board of commissioner seats open, although just two candidates are seeking those.

In Dobson two candidates seek the office of mayor, and six are running for two open seats on the board of commissioners. And in Pilot Mountain, two candidates are expecting to land the two open seats on the board there.

While it’s a little disappointing to see some seats effectively given to candidates because of no opposition, overall this is a good showing of people interested in taking on local elected office to serve and govern their towns.

There are clear differences among some of the candidates, in how they campaign, how they present their messages, and in what their message is. That shows likely differences in how they will govern, as well.

We hope voters will turn out in large numbers Tuesday to cast a ballot. The Mount Airy News does not endorse candidates because we believe casting a vote is a highly personal choice and one which should be made by individuals. It is not for the newspaper, or any other entity, to attempt to tell someone how they should vote.

We do believe, however, that each person should cast a ballot. Look at what the candidates have said. Examine what they have done throughout this election season and previously in public life. Make a decision based on who you believe will best govern, then cast that ballot.