Like our nation, our city is a democracy that needs the participation of the people to be a success.

That participation is especially needed now as the community begins a local election cycle. It is time for citizens who are concerned about their city to take a step toward being more involved by running for public office.

In Fort Dodge, voters will choose a mayor and six of the seven City Council members. And some familiar names will not be on the ballot.

Mayor Matt Bemrich is not seeking a fifth term. At-large council members Lydia Schuur and Quennel McCaleb are not seeking reelection, either. Schuur served two four-year terms, McCaleb served one.

Already, several people have announced their candidacies. They are Councilman Dave Flattery, who is running for mayor and City Council candidates Michael Haubrich (at-large), former Councilman Terry Moehnke (at-large), Councilwoman Jen Crimmins (Ward 1), Councilman Cameron Nelson (Ward 2), Todd McCubbin (Ward 3) and Councilman Kim Alstott (Ward 4).

Candidates can begin filing their nominating petitions on Monday. The filing deadline is 5 p.m. Aug. 28.

If more than two candidates get on the ballot for mayor or any of the City Council seats, a primary election will be held on Oct. 7. The top two vote-getters in a primary race would advance to the general election.

The general election will be held on Nov. 4.

We encourage anyone who thinks they have something to contribute to the community to run for office.

Yes, being an elected official is hard work. And yes, elected officials regularly have to deal with people who are mad about everything from potholes to taxes.

But elected officials have the ability to shape the future direction of their communities for decades to come. It is an ability that only those of us fortunate enough to live in a democracy can hope to have.

Now is the time for community-minded folks to take on the challenge of running for elected office so that they can have a hand in guiding our city.