Jefferson County stands out with a diverse voter profile, where Democrats, Republicans and Independents each make up roughly a third of the electorate.

As the political arena intensifies with numerous contested races, it’s crucial for registered Independent voters to actively participate in the upcoming May 14 polls. This election not only empowers them to influence the outcome of the general election, but also presents a unique chance to cast their ballots for non-partisan positions, such as the Board of Education, Magistrates, Circuit Judges and Conservation District Supervisor — all of which will be decided on May 14.

Understanding the voting process for registered Independents is paramount. By default, Independents will receive the non-partisan section of the ballot, encompassing offices like the Board of Education, Magistrates, Circuit Judges and Conservation District Supervisor. However, they retain the option to request a specific party ballot, each of which includes the non-partisan offices. For instance, in a Jefferson County Commission race with two Republican candidates and one Democrat candidate, an Independent can choose the Republican ballot, thereby influencing the selection of the general election opponent for the Democrat.

In the context of the Jefferson County Board of Education race, it’s noteworthy that there are no restrictions this year on the number of candidates from Shepherdstown who can clinch victory, as both positions are open in Shepherdstown. This year presents a scenario where three candidates vie for two Board of Education seats — two from the Shepherdstown’s district, one of whom is myself, and one representing Kabletown’s district. Voters will have the opportunity to select only two candidates, regardless of district affiliation, with their residential location not influencing this decision. District residency only matters when voting for delegates, where voters can choose only one candidate from their respective district.

Additionally, it’s important to highlight that any 17-year-old has the ability to register and vote in the primary, provided they will be 18-years-old by the time of the general election. This underscores the significance of engagement across all segments of our community, ensuring a more representative and inclusive electoral process.

Donna Joy, of Shepherdstown, is currently completing her first term on the Jefferson County Board of Education. She is running for reelection this year. She can be reached at DonnaJoyBOE@gmail.com.