A crowded primary ballot in the Lawrence County Commission race will benefit the voters.

It appears that, at least on the Democratic side, voters will have two candidates to choose from. Republican voters may also get the same opportunity.

The deadline to file in this vitally important race is Thursday and we hope to see more citizens step up to the plate and get involved in the election for this key county office.

Late last week, Justin Berry, a 28-year-old school teacher from Scottown, filed his petition last week to seek the Democratic nomination. He will face incumbent Doug Malone. Bob Vaughn has also picked up a petition for the Democratic race but has not filed it yet.

On the Republican side, former commissioner Paul Herrell has already filed his petition to seek his party’s nomination. Gene Cox has picked up a petition but has not filed it yet.

Rumors are that several other candidates are weighing whether or not to make a last minute run at their respective party nominations.

Now is a crucial time for Lawrence County as it continues to face a myriad of financial challenges and an uncertain future in terms of generating more revenue.

Some feel that the incumbents have done all they can with what they have. Other think now is time for a change.

Regardless, it is important that voters have as many choices as possible and that all candidates come to the table with legitimate and concrete plans for moving the county forward.

And if that means two candidates or 20, the voters will win in the end.