It’s not November, but in the near future we have an important election coming up in Austin.

Residents in Mower County’s 5th District will vote in a primary Jan. 20 and then in a special election Feb. 10 to fill the county commissioner’s seat vacated when David Tollefson died Dec. 3.

Seven candidates are running for the position and that field will be narrowed down to two following the primary.

Registered voters have a nice opportunity to get to know these candidates and to ask them questions on Jan. 14 at 7 p.m.

On that date, in the Austin City Council Chambers, the League of Women Voters Austin Area will hold a candidate forum.

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again —the best voter is an informed one.

We encourage all residents in this district to attend this event, and we appreciate the efforts of the League of Women Voters for organizing this opportunity.