The long-awaited and even longer talked about 2012 election is this coming Tuesday, Nov. 6 and every registered voter is encouraged to make their voice heard by getting out and casting their ballot.
The obvious race between Mitt Romney and Barack Obama will be the most nationally televised race, and it’s hard to miss the battle between challenger Matt Varilek (D-SD) and current US Representative Kristi Noem (R-SD), but there are many important local races that can hide in the shadows.
In South Dakota District 8, challenging Sen. Russell Olson, Republican and current Senate Majority Leader, is Democrat Charles Johnson. Johnson is a farmer in Lake County and a former Lake County Commissioner. He is married with five children.
The District 8 House race has a full list of fresh faces vying for the upcoming term. Scott Parsley of Madison is running on the Democratic ticket against Roy Lindsay also of Madison.
Parsley is married with three children and is a Vietnam era US Navy Veteran.  Lindsay is a retired shop teacher in the Madison School District.
On the Republic ticket for House is retired pastor Gene Kroger and Flandreau dentist Leslie Heinemann. Both are married with grandchildren.
For Sanborn County Commissioner, District 2, Paul Larson is challenging Keith Senska. Only District 2 residents will have this option. If you are unsure whether you reside in District 2, you may contact the Sanborn County Auditor.
On the ballot for the James River Water Development District Director position is Leon Fredrichs and Gary Boomsma.
One question, which may come as a surprise when handed the ballot, is regarding the Supreme Court Justice Retention of Justice Glen A. Severson. Severson was appointed District 2 Justice in 2009. He was an attorney and deputy states attorney in Huron in the ‘70s and was Second Circuit Court Judge from 1993-2009. It is a simple yes or no question as to whether he should be retained in office after his term expires in January.
There are a number of decisions to be made regarding the laws of the state, with four Constitutional Amendments to be decided, an Initiated Measure and two Referred Laws.
Some of these are some heavy-duty actions the state government is proposing so everyone is encouraged to educate themselves on each decision before entering the voting booth on Tuesday.