On Sunday we kicked off our extensive primary election coverage with stories concerning the Marquette Area Public Schools sinking fund millage request and an overview of the candidates facing off on the Aug. 5 ballot in a variety of races.

We believe solid election coverage is one of the most important duties we have as a news organization, and we’re proud of the number of stories our staff writers have put together for the upcoming primary.

In the coming weeks leading up to the election, look for articles on the primary races for the Marquette City Commission; Marquette Board of Light and Power; Marquette County Board of Comissioners; the 108th and110th Michigan House districts; the 38th Michigan Senate district and the first district in the U.S. House of Representatives.

We will also provide coverage on each of the several millage proposals set to appear on the ballot in Marquette and Alger counties.

Primary elections are often forgotten about since they don’t offer the hype of a general election, especially a ticket that includes a presidential race.

But they are just as important. Primaries narrow down the number of candidates set to appear on the general election ballot.

We hope our election coverage, spread out over the next two weeks, will help voters decide who they feel is the best candidate for them.

We further hope those same voters get out to the polls Aug. 5 to ensure those candidates’ names make it onto the Nov. 4 general election ballot.