Halfway through summer, most of us arenB次元官网网址檛 thinking too much about the fall and this NovemberB次元官网网址檚 municipal election.

But if youB次元官网网址檙e thinking about running as a candidate, the weeks are running out for you to begin planning your campaign.

Judging by recent elections, most municipalities in Greater Victoria are in dire need of more names on the ballot to spark interest among voters.

If you care about where you live and want to make a difference in even one aspect of your community, consider putting your name forward as a candidate for council, school board or mayor.

Qualifications are far from onerous. If youB次元官网网址檙e 18 or older, a Canadian citizen and have lived in B.C. youB次元官网网址檙e pretty much OK to run. YouB次元官网网址檒l need to keep track of election-related expenses and contributions and have at least two people willing to nominate you.

There are a few other rules to know if you do get serious about running. ItB次元官网网址檚 also a good idea to understand that life can seem crazy once everyoneB次元官网网址檚 on the campaign trail.

Traditionally, municipal election season kicks into full-gear after Labour Day. The thinking is that most of us canB次元官网网址檛 be bothered to ponder the issues affecting our communities when the weatherB次元官网网址檚 warm and weB次元官网网址檙e busy planning upcoming holidays or invites to backyard barbecues.

WeB次元官网网址檙e a little more willing to do our civic duty and tune into local issues once the kids are back in school and summer vacation is behind us.

Make no mistake though, savvy politicians know theyB次元官网网址檒l have to hit the ground running once we return to the routines that signal SeptemberB次元官网网址檚 arrival.

If youB次元官网网址檝e ever thought about participating in politics, now is the time to make sure youB次元官网网址檙e ready when the silly season arrives.