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Tuesday, April 8 is Election Day in Traill County. Voters will be asked to consider a $7 million bond issue for the construction of a new jail and office complex adjacent the historic Traill County courthouse.

It’s a complex question and we urge voters to seek out the information needed to make an informed decision. We suggest they take advantage of a week-long open house at the courthouse, starting Monday, March 31 and running through Friday, April 4. The building — courthouse, Social Services office and the jail — will be open for “inspection” from 1 to 4 p.m. each day. It’s a golden opportunity to get a up close look at the courthouse’s condition and talk to county employees who know first hand why the measure in on the ballot.

Now’s the time to ask questions, learn the answers and vote accordingly. Make an informed decision before entering the voting booth.

We remind Traill County residents of their responsibility to vote on the important matters. Voting is a right that we cannot take for granted. If you don’t vote, you lose the right to complain about what the government does at all levels.

Of course, there will be another election in June. Two seats on the Hillsboro City Commission are up for election. As of press time, there were no declared candidates who had filed petitions at city hall. The deadline to do so is April 11.

We encourage residents to consider serving on the five-member commission. Hillsboro’s recent progress has positioned the city for continued, positive change in the future.

We need more insightful leaders willing to guide the city in the right direction in the years ahead.

As a member of a community or a county, we bear a certain amount of responsibility to be involved in the process of running the government at this local, almost personal, level.

Your vote does matter, your involvement — in whatever form you choose — is critical.

We urge you to consider what role you can play in guiding Traill County and Hillsboro into the future.