Everyone has to make decisions in life.

Do I supersize my meal? The light is turning yellow, do I go for it? Do I feel like listening to Top 40 music or talk radio?

These decisions only affect the person making them.  

On Wednesday, the Bulletin will host a forum between candidates running for Polk County sheriff and Polk County commissioner.

There has been some early debate on whether write-in candidates should be invited to join the forum along with candidates who began the process to earn a spot on the ballot back in February. People have formed their own opinions, both for and against inclusion of these write-in candidates.

Article 11 of Chapter 163 in the North Carolina General Statues states that write-in candidates are only required to turn in 100 signatures to the board of elections office in their county.

In Polk County, there is a write-in candidate for sheriff and commissioner. Each of these individuals have fulfilled this one requirement, and, while not appearing on the ballot, people may cast their votes for the candidates by writing their names in the space labeled “write-in.”

Based on this, the Bulletin has made the decision to invite these individuals to be a part of the debate this Wednesday evening in the Polk County High School auditorium.

This may or may not sit well with you, the voter. It is, however, the law, one of the laws we are governed by, as put forth by the officials we elected.

If you disagree with this, we can only blame ourselves.

We fully expect this to receive feedback, both positive and negative. This decision was made to be fair to the candidates and to the voters of Polk County.

It is your right to know everyone who is running, and what views they have. Then, it is up to you to use your vote on Election Day, to elect the person who will protect you and the people who will lead you.  

 – Editorial staff, Tryon Daily Bulletin