Early February is not a typical time for a City Council election. That does not mean that Tuesday’s vote is unimportant.

Two candidates, Wayne Mason and Megan Secor, are on the ballot Tuesday. They are competing to complete an unexpired term as an at-large member of the council.

It is true that the winner of Tuesday’s election will only serve through the end of this year, because the at-large seat will be on the November ballot as part of the regular election cycle. But that is no reason to skip voting on Tuesday. Remember that the person who is elected Tuesday will be able to weigh in on the final decisions on the 2023-2024 city budget. They will also be involved in every City Council decision between February and the end of December. A lot can happen in that time frame.

And let’s not forget that whoever wins Tuesday’s special election will be well-positioned to run for a full four-year term in November.

For all those reasons, we urge all Fort Dodge voters to cast a ballot on Tuesday.

The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

There will be just two polling places: the Fort Dodge Municipal Building, 819 First Ave. S., and the Fort Dodge Community School District Central Office, 109 N. 25th St. People may vote at whichever location is convenient for them.

We hope those polling places are busy all day Tuesday.

Fort Dodge citizens, show your commitment to the future by voting in Tuesday’s election. Those who cast a ballot will help shape the future of our city.