With Tuesday's Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District (MLIRD) election, the future of Moses Lake, district operations, the board's actions and the best method to clean the lake are big discussion topics.

Our community sits on the lake, which is an attraction for visitors and residents alike. Moses Lake's health and vitality are key to our area's success and future growth. Now it's up to voters to point the district in the direction they want.

Board director candidates Ken Kernan, Grant County's former undersheriff, and Moses Lake businessman David Skaug are facing off for outgoing Board Director Rich Archer's position on Tuesday.

While the Editorial Board doesn't endorse political candidates, we do encourage ratepayers to learn about the issues and vote from 1 p.m.-8 p.m. on Tuesday, in person, at 211 N. Elder Street in Moses Lake. People who own property in the district can vote.

Those planning on requesting absentee ballots should do so immediately, because mailed ballots must be postmarked by midnight Tuesday. For more information about absentee ballots, call the irrigation district at 509-765-8716.

Also at stake is the size of the three member board. Voters will be asked if they want the board to be expanded to five members.

To learn more about the candidates, read our article covering a Nov. 28 candidates' forum or watch CBHTV's online video of the event.

For other viewpoints, read today's columns from each of the candidates, a reader's column and our readers' letters weighing in on the election.

- Editorial Board