According to Peoria County’s three-page sample ballot, voters will see that 18 of 30 races aren’t races at all since only one candidate is listed.

Incumbents such as Republican Congressman Darin LaHood, Democratic State Rep. Jehan Gordon and Republican State Rep. Ryan Spain are running unopposed, as are four Republican County Board members (Brian Elsasser, Dan Kelch, Paul Rosenbohm and Matt Windish), and three Democratic County Board members (Brandy Bryant, Camille Coates and Ron Reneau).

Whether the situation stems from the power and resources of incumbents or the timidity of political parties to invest in challengers, the lack of choices seems regrettable.