In less than one week, voters will go to the polls to begin to determine who will be the next leaders of our state and county.

Voters can choose whether to support candidates in the Republican primary or in the Democratic primary. Winning candidates in each primary — or in the primary runoff, if one is necessary — will have off in November.

We urge everyone in our community to learn more about the candidates in each office and to take the time to vote in the primary on Tuesday.

Our state and our county face many issues, from the continued economic downturn to the oil spill that could change the coast as we know it.

We need the input of all voters to determine who will help lead us for the next four years, a critical time as we look for new ideas to move us into what we hope — and believe — will be an improved economy.

In the governor’s race, two Democrats and seven Republicans are vying for the chance to be on the November ballot to replace two-term Gov. Bob Riley.

Other statewide races on the primary ballot include lieutenant governor, U.S. senator, U.S. representative, state Supreme Court, commissioner of agriculture and public service commission.

County-wide races include sheriff, county commission and county school board.

In any of the races, our endorsement is simply this: Please vote.