A good way for citizens of any community to get involved in their local area is to run for office.

Perhaps you are motivated to make a change or want to make sure your community continues its present course of action.

Whatever the reason just step forward and “throw your hat into the ring.” But knowing why you are running for office and what you want to do if you are elected is important.

Election season soon begins and candidates for local public offices can begin circulating petitions on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 2020, according to a story in this weekend’s edition of The Minot Daily News.

If 2020 is your year to step up to the plate, there’s positions that will be on the city ballot for Minot City Council, Minot Park Board, Minot Public School Board and the Board of Ward County Commissioners.

Ballots can be picked up at the finance office in City Hall for council, Minot Park District office in Minot Municipal Auditorium for park board, Minot Public Schools business office at 215 2nd St. SE for school board or the auditor’s office in the Ward County Administration Building for county commission.

The June 9, 2020 election results for city, park and school races are final results. County candidates will advance from the primary to the general election on Nov. 3, 2020.

Even-numbered legislative districts also will be on ballots this year.

Running for office is a major commitment but it also lets you give back to your community.