It is time to educate yourself about city elections. General elections are May 12, and the last day to file is March 5.

Last week, Allan Saxe, political science associate professor, argued not voting can be an option. We feel that abstaining from voting is only appropriate when the voter is uninformed. Starting now leaves enough time to really educate yourself about the candidates.

For example, we wonder how many people reading this know that councilman Mel LeBlanc, District 1 representative, recently stepped down after reports surfaced several months about his purchasing drugs from prostitutes. Now we have got your attention. In a little more than a week and not long after announcing his resignation, five people filed for election in LeBlanc’s place. That’s a lot of candidates to research.

District 8 councilman Gene Patrick also recently stepped down for health concerns. Last week, three people filed for election in his place. Meanwhile, the incumbent seats for districts 2, 6 and 7 remain uncontested.

Not voting to show a lack of support for those candidates might be appropriate, but while there is still time to file for election, consider running. If you don’t agree with one councilperson’s stance on the city recycling bins, throw your name in the hat.

The city’s general election is in May, when candidates will be chosen for Districts 1, 2, 7 and 8. On a side note, the last day to file for election is March 5, so for any students wanting to enter there are three uncontested spots and the other two don’t have incumbents. Now is the time to research candidates through the city website and newspapers. Find out how incumbents have voted in the past and what the new candidates have been involved with.

But when election time comes around and you don’t know the difference between the candidates, don’t just vote on what they look like or that one piece of information you heard. If that’s the case, do the rest of us a favor and stay home.