Daily Herald opinion: Congrats to Tuesday’s winners, and special thanks to all who ran

In the days after an election, the headlines typically go to the victors.

Photographs capture their joy at Election Night parties, and follow-up stories look to what’s next for those who will be sworn into office in the coming weeks.

Today, we congratulate them on winning the votes and trust of their constituents. Candidates in hard-fought races should enjoy their moment in the spotlight before they settle in as a town’s new mayor or take their place on village, school, library, township or park boards.

Hard work lies ahead, and we wish them the best as they serve out their term.

But at the same time, we also want to acknowledge and thank those did not receive the results they wanted on Election Night.

Throwing your hat into the political ring takes great courage these days. Past misdeeds can be trotted out, social media posts can be cruel and the campaigns themselves can be draining ‒ physically and emotionally.

Plus, by securing a spot on the ballot, candidates are essentially promising a yearslong commitment to attend meetings, do their homework and cast difficult votes that sometimes tear communities apart.

We are only a few years past the most heated moments of the pandemic, but most of us can remember when issues such as remote learning and mask mandates led to physical altercations at school board meetings and threats against those doing what they thought best for both teachers and students.

While we as Americans tend to be cynical about why some people seek public office, most of those running in our communities do so for the right reasons. They want to make their towns and schools districts better, stronger, more attuned to the needs and hopes of those who live there.

There are always those who see an office as a steppingstone to something bigger or who launch payback campaigns in anger to oust an official they believe wronged them. Even then, they put themselves out there when too many stand on the sidelines.

Democracy depends on people willing to take a chance and seek public office.

Voters faced with a ballot full of uncontested races — or, even worse, not enough candidates to fill vacant seats — have less reason to familiarize themselves with the candidates and issues. And they are far less likely to vote.

For those who ran and lost Tuesday, lower vote totals should not discourage you from getting involved and making a difference. Joining a volunteer commission, serving on a committee or seeking appointment to a vacant seat on zoning and other boards are excellent ways to have an impact, become more familiar with the issues and even position yourself for a later run.

The election is over, but the work is just beginning.

Win or lose, candidates have a stake in what happens next. Voters do as well.