So far, 2010 has been a quiet election year in Tracy. After all, it’s still early in the campaign season.

It seems so far away. While primary races for governor and Congress will appear on the June 8 ballot along with several county and school district openings (see Page 6), the two seats on the City Council, as well as the mayor’s chair, aren’t up for election until Nov. 2. Candidates seeking those citywide posts can’t even officially file to run until July 12.

So, why offer a reminder now? Because it’s never too early to consider a run for office.

Two Tracy residents, Robert Elliott and Larry Hite, have already declared their intention to run and, according to the City Clerk’s office, have began fundraising.

While it’s good to see this pair of Tracyites get their campaigns started, more would be better. Representative republics work best when people are involved in their governance — both as the choosers and as the chosen. It’s just as vital to have a true choice in candidates as it is for voters to be informed and attentive. A wide electoral field gives voters that type of opportunity.

That’s why we hope the field of City Council contenders grows by the time the Aug. 6 filing deadline rolls around.

We challenge those with a vision for Tracy’s future — and with a solid, realistic plan for how to get there — to throw their hats into the ring. (Take the first step by contacting the City Clerk’s office to pick up a form declaring your intention to run.)

It’s also never too early to register to vote.

If you were registered during the most recent election and you haven’t changed addresses, this announcement isn’t for you. But if you weren’t registered to vote in 2008, or if you’ve changed your address since then — even if it’s just from one place in Tracy to another — you need to register. The sooner the better.

Because registering to vote doesn’t just mean you can cast a ballot, it means you can sign on to petitions for local candidates and statewide propositions. If you’re not registered at your proper address, those signatures are invalid.

The registration deadline for the Nov. 2 election is Oct. 18, and registration for the June 8 primary election is May 24 — don’t put it off.

It might be early in the campaign cycle. But Election Day will be here before you know it.

To run: To declare your intention to campaign for a local elected position, call the City Clerk’s office at 831-6105.

To vote: Pick up a registration form at your county elections office, library or U.S. Post Office, or visit the California secretary of state's Voter Registration site.