I understand the ballot order of candidates running for office in the primaries is supposed to be randomly selected. However, I found it very curious that none of the “mainstream” or strongest Democratic Party candidates for major offices were listed first on the ballot for their respective offices.

It appeared the challengers or underdogs were always listed first at least for these major offices. If I were a Republican, I would be absolutely tickled with this candidate order on the Democratic Party ballot.

I realize Rowan County is deep red Republican territory, but the Board of Elections must be neutral and unbiased and should avoid even the appearance of bias. My opinion is that they blew it and need a better process next year for selecting the order of candidates on the ballot.

I urge all individuals, including independents like myself, who vote in the Democratic primary to carefully review all of the listed candidates before making a selection. Do your homework ahead of time to determine who you think is the best qualified with the greatest chance of winning, so you come into the booth already knowing who you’ll vote for.

This election is just too important to be complacent.

— Fred Krusemark

Granite Quarry