With the exception of a handful of local races and thepossibility of runoffs in a few others, Tuesday effectively will bethe end of the 2007 campaign season. For those Democratic nomineeswithout Republican opposition, the November general election isonly a formality.

Following the Aug. 28 runoffs, the status of three-quarters ofLincoln County government will have been decided, but only by aportion of the Lincoln County electorate – those who voted in theDemocratic primary.

The reason, of course, is voters have to make a decision onwhich political party they want to cast their vote. A decision tovote in the Republican primary means one cannot have a say in whois elected as chancery clerk, circuit clerk, and all but onesupervisor and justice court race because all candidates in theseraces are running as Democrats.

In a guest column elsewhere on this page, Lincoln Countyresident Charley Evans writes about the importance of voting forour county leadership. He points out the importance of voting forthe most qualified candidate, not just the nicest person.

Mr. Evans writes about the changing world around us, and theimportance of running county government like a business andchoosing leaders who have the background and ability to do so. Hesuggests that each voter realize that they are the employer for thecandidate and to carefully consider the qualifications of thecandidates whom they are voting to “hire.”

As we have editorialized in the past, the fallacy of the primarysystem we have in Mississippi is that it blocks many from followingwhat Mr. Evans suggests. Ours is one that protects the status quobecause it requires voters to choose between political parties, butnot necessarily the best candidate.

In 1999 when Mike Parker ran as a Republican for governor, localvoters were frustrated when they were forced to choose betweenvoting for hometown Parker or for those running for local officesin the Democratic primary.

This year is no different in that voters will have to decide ifthey want to vote in the hotly contested District 92 House ofRepresentatives race in the Republican primary or the hotlycontested sheriff’s race in the Democratic primary.

We could solve this dilemma with an open primary system thatallows voters to cross party lines. Party nominees would still bechosen, but voters could vote for the person and not the party.

Then at least voters would have a chance of voting for the mostqualified candidate and everyone – all voters – would have a say inwho is “hired” to run the county.

Write to Bill Jacobs at P.O. Box 551, Brookhaven MS 39602,or send e-mail to bjacobs@dailyleader.com.