If you had a chance to attend or listen to a chamber candidates forum Monday night, you know that our seven mayoral candidates bring diverse backgrounds, experience and ideas to this year’s campaign.

From consolidation to tourism to economic development, the people running for office have a wealth of ideas they believe will take Natchez into the future.

Those ideas, whether you think they are good or bad, deserve everyone’s attention &045; and their votes.

So here’s a reminder of what you need to know for this year’s election season.

The first chance to cast your ballot will be the May 4 primary.

But if you aren’t registered at least 30 days before the election, you can’t vote.

There are two places you can go to register &045; the city clerk’s office or the circuit clerk’s office. If your address has changed since you last voted, be sure to let either office know that information as well. Your ward may have changed.

Other election dates: primary runoff May 18 and general election June 8. You must be registered at least 30 days before those dates in order to vote as well.

If you won’t be in town to vote, you can vote absentee at the city clerk’s office. If you can’t get to the office during business hours, the city clerk’s office will be open from 8 a.m. to noon on six Saturdays: April 24, May 1, May 8, May 15, May 29 and June 5.

That leaves plenty of opportunities to let your vote be counted &045; and few excuses not to.

This election is important for the future of Natchez, and giving candidates not only the attention to their ideas but the time to vote is our civic duty.