Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Have you noticed that the League of Women Voters Candidates’ Forums had to be canceled in Edgartown, Oak Bluffs and West Tisbury due to lack of contested elections? We have just learned that there are no contests in Tisbury and Chilmark, either, so those forums have now been canceled. The filing deadline for Aquinnah has not yet been reached.

What is happening? Yes, our towns are mostly well-governed, but a lack of lively involvement in local politics means that a full diversity of views may not be heard. It means that important decisions go unchallenged. What message are we sending to Island voters? What message are we sending to our youth?

The League of Women Voters urges you to consider serving a term or two on one of the local elected boards — Planning Board, Board of Health, Financial Committee or any of many others. Look at your town report or talk to your town clerk to see what positions are available, and consider participating. It is a rewarding and enlightening experience — and you will have a say in how your community is run. Your participation helps preserve our democracy.

Judy Crawford, West Tisbury