Elections have consequences; that’s what one former mayor currently running for mayor told the Rio Rancho Observer recently. Regardless of what he was referring to when he made that comment, he’s absolutely correct.

The results of local elections reverberate for years, often decades, after the votes have been tallied. Decisions made by our councilors and mayors often chart the course of the city for years at a time, and if you aren’t a fan of that course, it can take even more years to get back on track.

That’s why it’s so important that each and every resident takes the time to read the election coverage brought to you in the RRO, and become a fully informed voter. This week, we bring you information about the mayoral candidates after interviewing them; next week we’ll be asking the candidates for City Council to fill out a questionnaire, in person, without any advanced knowledge of the questions. We’ll publish their responses, unedited, so readers can see where the candidates share or differ in their vision and philosophy. Early voting is already in progress and many of you already consider yourselves well-informed enough to head to the polls and make your voice count; but many other need more information. We’re hoping to provide the answers to many of your questions over the next few weeks, through one-on-one interaction with the candidates and by covering the various candidate forums that are being held all over town.

We also encourage you to get out to these forums, ask questions and make the candidates aware of the issues that you feel are the most important to our city’s future and well-being.

Some people don’t vote because they don’t like the candidates, but even that is an informed decision. Others don’t vote because of time constraints, but the city has made it easier than ever to vote with voter convenience centers (see ci.rio-rancho.nm.us/index.aspx?nid=1434 for more information).

Get informed and vote, because elections have consequences.