The Ward 3 race continues.

As expected, the eight candidates in Tuesday’s Ward 3 special election split enough votes to keep anyone from gaining the 50 percent plus one needed to end the race. So now we are down to two candidates — Greg Bjelke and Gwen Brown.

Regardless of who you support it is important for everyone that is registered to maintain the enthusiasm that was present for Tuesday’s election.

The Selma City Council took a great deal of criticism from some for approving the special election. They went into the process knowing there would be detractors. However, they deserve praise for allowing the people of Ward 3 an opportunity to choose.

Certainly, an appointment would have saved the city money, especially with a runoff election now on the table. However, it would not necessarily have been the people’s choice.

Mayor George Evans and the council have done their part to make sure the people of Ward 3 have a say in who will represent them. That should be in the mind of every registered voter who is eligible to go to the polls.

And for those who did not vote in Tuesday’s election, or neglected to register, now is your chance. Many times people spend more time making excuses than it would actually take to register or get to the polls.

No matter the inconvenience, it is well worth it to make your way to the courthouse and register to vote. And with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on election days, it’s hard for anyone to say they can’t find the time.

People in Selma love to complain about politics or the direction of the city. They always say things could happen in the city if some fresh faces were put in office.

Well, the runoff election is a battle of two fresh faces with fresh ideas and a ton of enthusiasm. Just pick one.

The runoff election is expected to be another close race, so every vote counts. More than 30 percent of registered voters for Ward 3 made it to the polls Tuesday. Hopefully, that number will grow on July 5.

If people do not go to the polls and make their voices heard it defeats the point of having an election in the first place.

Your candidate might win, or your candidate might lose. But one thing is for sure. If you don’t vote, you can’t complain.