Even though the presidential race is grabbing all the headlines when it comes to the 2012 primary and general elections, the ballots on the local level reveal some concerning characteristics as well.

It appears that many Lawrence County elected positions will be relatively uncontested in the primaries and also in the general election next November. This may sound like a good thing for many voters who are still feeling some election fatigue from the 2011 races.

But, in reality, a narrow field creates a lack of choices and potentially a less qualified elected body. This has nothing to do with the individual candidates who have filed here in the county.

The problem is there simply isn’t enough of them.

This lack of interest in public service, while not surprising, reflects both on the viewpoints of individuals and also the political parties.

It is understandable when parties do not want multiple candidates battling for a particular nomination, even though contested primary’s produce stronger candidates.

Perhaps the worst part is that the parties cannot find candidates for every position to give voters options.

The important thing is that voters hear a variety of viewpoints and have alternatives whom they can elect.

Having a government dominated by one party or only putting forth hand-selected candidates weakens the democratic system our nation was founded upon.

Hopefully, 2012 is an aberration rather than the new norm.