It’s an important decision, but one we often don’t put enough thought into — who do we want representing us in Washington D.C.?

In the next month, voters across eastern North Carolina will be asked to make that decision, and there are plenty of candidates to choose from. 26 people want to be our next Congressman, and chances are things might get ugly before the dust settles.

While special elections in non-presidential years have historically had very low turnout, we would encouraged all of our readers to participate in the political process this month. But beyond simply being a participant, we would encourage each of you to be informed participants.

Would you buy a car without test driving it? Would you purchase a house sight unseen? Would you take a job without finding out what it pays?

No rational person would ever do these things, so why would you vote for someone to represent you in Congress without at least learning about who they are, where they come from and what they stand for?

Once that person is in office, history shows that it’s very difficult to vote them out of office. Incumbency is a powerful force, and chances are the person we send to Washington during this year’s special general election will serve more than one term.

So as you go to the voting booth this month to vote in the primary election, don’t go in blind. Instead, arm yourself with knowledge. Know who you are voting for, what they believe in and what they will stand for in Washington.

With a crowded field of 26 candidates, it’s up to each of us to act with discernment in voting. After all, once the 25 others are gone, we’ll all have to live with the one who remains. Vote smart.