Citizens in the U.S. have several civic duties that are expected of them, including a trip to the polls in November to vote in elections. However, sometimes those particular duties fall outside of their usual 11th-month timeframe. Just like with doctors or reporters or any worker, it is important to be ‘in’ when the need arises.

The need arises for voters Tuesday when a special election will be held to determine who will represent Virginia’s 22nd Senate District. The seat was vacated by state Sen. Tom Garrett, R-Buckingham, who was elected in November to represent the 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Vying for the open seat are Democrat Ryant L. Washington, of Fluvanna; Republican Mark Peake, of Lynchburg; and independent Joe Hines, of Rice.

The winner will be representing a significant array of people as the 22nd Senate District includes all of Amherst, Appomattox, Buckingham, Cumberland, Fluvanna, Prince Edward and Goochland counties and parts of Louisa County and the city of Lynchburg.

Information to help voters make an informed choice is readily available, with the Wednesday candidates’ forum sponsored by the Herald posing key questions to Hines, Peake and Washington. (See our front page story).

Too often, voter turnout in special elections is low with a relative handful of votes determining who takes office. It has been said that decisions are made by those who show up. We urge citizens of the 22nd Senate District to be informed and to be decision-makers Tuesday.