The primary election is Aug. 7, when means it’s time to mail in ballots.

Ensure your vote counts and voice is heard.

There are no local candidate races that will directly be affected by the August election in this Top Two primary state. All of the county and state races have either one or two candidates, so nobody will be eliminated.

The primary results, however, will serve as a straw poll for the races that are contested.

Republican Commissioner Rick Hannold is facing Democrat Janet St. Clair. Rick Felici and Lane Campbell, two longtime members of the Island County Sheriff’s Office, both want to lead the department. State Rep. Norma Smith, R-Clinton, is facing Democrat Scott McMullen and Rep. Dave Hayes, R-Camano, is running against Democrat Dave Paul.

The results of the primary will not only help the candidates understand where they stand, but the primary will let them know if they need to do a better job of getting their message out. There are also one or two local measures on the ballot, depending on where you live on Whidbey Island. Both are common sense measures that should be approved.

All Whidbey voters will consider a levy renewal request from the hospital district to fund ambulances, paramedics and emergency medical care. It asks for 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed value in property taxes.

South Whidbey Parks and Recreational District is an institution and an essential part of the community. It runs four baseball fields, soccer fields, an administrative building, playground, skate park, restrooms and trails through Community Park.

The district offers a variety of programs for children and adults, from a rocket camp to classes on clamming. It’s worth the investment.

The state made voting especially easy this year by pre-paying the postage for your ballot.