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With the big election year of 2024 behind us, we are quickly approaching a voting season where local leaders will be elected. This is a good time to reflect on the power of our votes in these close-to-home elections.

Three City of Nacogdoches council members are up for re-election. Two are running unopposed: Council Member Northeast Ward Kathleen Belanger; and Council Member Northwest Ward Brad Maule. However, current Mayor of Nacogdoches Randy Johnson has drawn a challenger, Brigette Kozash.

Nacogdoches County independent school districts will have elections for the boards of trustees. These include Chireno I.S.D., Garrison I.S.D. and Nacogdoches I.S.D.

A “Why Local Elections Matter” piece by Rock the Vote sums up the importance of exercising the right to vote in local elections. City council members have the ultimate say in passing laws, approving budgets and some control over the work of its departments. School board members can be considered a link between the classroom and community. Board members can set policies, curriculums and budgets for the districts, and they can hire or fire administrative leaders including the superintendent.

In short, the people elected to these positions will make decisions that directly affect all who live, work, play and do business in our communities. That may not be a ground shaking revelation statement. I am sure everyone understands that their local elected officials have the ability to make lasting impacts. Therefore, I believe it is worth the time for voters to consider, to research, to educate themselves as best possible so that when the polls open, voters can make their voices heard with confidence.

To help accomplish that goal, the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce will hold a Candidate Forum for the City of Nacogdoches Mayor’s race and the N.I.S.D. school district trustee at large race. The forum will be held from noon to 1 p.m., Thursday, April 24 at The Fredonia Hotel & Convention Center. Both mayor’s race candidates have committed to participate as well as the two N.I.S.D. race candidates, Cheryl D. Brady and Damon Ruckel.

A buffet lunch will be available at $30 for Nacogdoches County Chamber members and $35 for non-members. Please click for an online registration option or call 936-560-5533 in advance. If  you are interested in attending at no charge (without the meal) please call The Chamber at 936-560-5533.

Important deadlines to note are: the deadline to register to vote or update your address is Thursday, April 3. Early voting will begin Tuesday, April 22 and end on Tuesday, April 29. Election Day is Saturday, May 3. More on all of these county-wide elections can be found in the Nacogdoches County Elections page - click here.

And make a plan to Go Vote!