Never mind Washington, D.C., the 2018 election will be an important one right here in Clark County.

The battle for Congressional seats and the balance of power in our nation’s capital will continue to grab all the national headlines, but voters should not overlook the importance of a host of local elections in the primary and general election next year.

Virtually all key leadership positions for county government will be decided upon. These include circuit court clerk, judge-executive, county clerk, county attorney, sheriff, jailer, coroner, property valuation administrator and six magistrate seats.

In the city, the seats of mayor and four city commissioners will be up for grabs, although they will only be on the May 22 primary ballot if a large slate of individuals file for the seats. Otherwise they will be decided in the November general election.

Two school board seats will jump straight to the fall ballot as well.

At a state level, Senate District 28 and the House of Representatives 73rd District will also be voted on.

Democracy is built on choices. We hope to see a wide slate of candidates file prior to the Jan. 30, deadlines for any race that may have a primary.

The more candidates the better.

Then it falls on voters to inform themselves, casting their support for the individual they feel is best for the job. It shouldn’t be a popularity contest or a partisan decision. We hope voters truly seek to choose the best men and women for the respective jobs.