Looking for proof that fall is officially here? It isn’t the ever-changing shades of the leaves that mark the occasion.

Don’t be swayed by the ghosts and goblins that signify that Halloween is nearly here. Even football Friday nights in the crisp, cool air aren’t the final determination.

Nope. Do you want the real evidence? Just take a look in countless yards across Lawrence County and you will see the proof: Political signs.

From Hanging Rock to Athalia and from Blackfork all the way to the Ohio River — and all points in between — the races are on.

Lawrence Countians have many important decisions to make on Nov. 3.

While this election may lack the appeal of a presidential race or county-wide offices, the positions up for grabs all have a lot of local impact.

City and village councils, school boards and trustees all make decisions that can have tremendous impact on us as individuals and also on our communities.

So, as always, the newspaper will try to do its part to provide information needed for voters to make informed decisions.

A series of stories starting next week will focus on every race and ballot issue county voters will face.

In these articles, The Tribune will do its best to provide information residents want about those who want to serve as our leaders.

In addition to these articles, The Tribune will publish on Oct. 30 a comprehensive election guide that provides a compiled look at who these people are and what they bring to the table.

In addition to another upcoming special section that features all the state ballot issues, you will also soon start seeing political ads popping up as candidates work hard to show voters that they are the right choice.

Will some of it be rhetoric? Of course, but some will be valuable information voters can use in making their decisions.

Inevitably you will also see letters to the editor about candidates written by supporters. These will accepted until Oct. 19, a cutoff that allows enough time for items received to be published.

All letters should focus on opinions and personal views and will not be published if they include allegations of factual statements that cannot be easily proven.

Candidates cannot submit letters, guest columns or news releases about their candidacy or something related.

However, a candidate may be included in a news article if they are still among the most relevant sources.

For example, a school board member up for re-election who casts a deciding vote on a key issue would still be interviewed.

Now that the election is just a month or so away The Tribune will try to do its part to inform voters but we hope citizens seek information from as many sources as possible before heading to the polls.

Michael Caldwell is publisher of The Tribune. To reach him, call (740) 532-1445 ext. 24 or by e-mail at mike.caldwell@irontontribune.com.