A drive down U.S.-12 sure is colorful these days, isn’t it? Signs with bright red, blue, green and yellow writing line the highway and nearly every side street in southwest Michigan — with all sorts of different names.

Some are familiar. Some are strangers. Some are our neighbors. Some were your teachers.

All have one thing in common: They have taken a chance on southwest Michigan.

In Cass County and southern Berrien County, voters have 40 candidates to choose from this August when determining who best represents their voice at various levels of state, local and federal government. Nearly every race on the ballot will be contested in the general election Nov. 6, and many are contested on the August ballot Aug. 7.

Southwest Michigan residents, these candidates have done their part. They have thrown their hats into the ring. Some of these men and women may have knocked on your door, attended the ribbon cutting for your business, or presented at your civic or government meeting.

Regardless, these candidates have taken the initiative to facilitate progress in their respective municipalities. They have invested their time and money into their campaigns, which ultimately means they have invested in you.

Now, it’s your turn.

In the Voter’s Guide section inside your newspaper today, you will find questionnaires answered by candidates in races that will be contested in either August or November. Each candidate on the ballot was mailed a questionnaire several weeks ago, and asked to provide their responses to the questions in 50 words or fewer.

It is important to note that not all candidates running for office are represented in this section, because not all candidates submitted completed questionnaires.

Also noteworthy is the fact that many candidates in this section automatically move on to the November election. The primary election’s intent is to narrow the race to one Democrat and one Republican, so if there is only one Democrat or Republican running in a race, that candidate automatically moves on.

Before you go to the ballot on Aug. 7, I urge you to read these questionnaires carefully. Consider which responses resonate with you, and best represent your political values. If you are still unsure which candidate you prefer, or if you have questions about a candidate’s answer, reach out to them and ask for a meeting or phone conversation. Visit the candidates’ websites and social media pages, or ask local organizations which you respect who they are endorsing.

Once you have gathered all of this information, it is your civic duty to match these candidates’ commitment. You must make your voice heard by getting out to vote.

We hope this guide serves a useful tool as you decide which ballots to cast in coming weeks, but most importantly, we hope you match these candidates’ political commitments by sharing your own — and voting Aug. 7.