The voters’ decision always is final regardless of your personal opinion of a candidate or issue — that’s how democracy works.

That’s not to say the voters always make the right decision. But their decision is final and must be respected.

For those unhappy with the results of the Nov. 2 election or dissatisfied with the direction their municipality, school district or fire district is headed, candidate filing will begin in mid-December for the April 5 election.

In Crestwood, the mayoral seat held by Roy Robinson since 2005 will be up for election in April. The seat carries a three-year term.

In Green Park, the mayoral seat held by Tony Konopka will be up for election in April. Konopka, a former alderman, has served as mayor since 2007.

Also up for election will be aldermanic seats held by Tony Pousosa of Ward 1, Tim Thuston of Ward 2 and Joe Monteleone of Ward 3.

Pousosa and Thuston have served on the board since 2007. Monteleone was appointed to the board in September to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of longtime Alderman Mark Hayden.

All of the Green Park seats carry two-year terms.

In Sunset Hills, aldermanic seats held by Dee Baebler of Ward 1, Scott Haggerty of Ward 2, Jan Hoffmann of Ward 3 and Pat Fribis of Ward 4 are up for election. The seats carry two-year terms.

For the Lindbergh Board of Education, four seats will be up for election in April. Seats held by board Secretary Kathleen Kienstra, board Treasurer Mark Rudoff and member Don Bee that carry three-year terms will be up for election. Also up for election will be a seat vacated earlier this year by Janine Fabick that will carry a one-year term. Larry McIntosh currently is serving in the seat.

For the Mehlville Board of Education, three seats will be up for election in April, including one vacated this month by Karl Frank Jr., who first was elected in 2005. Seats held by Drew Frauenhoffer and Erin Weber also will be up for election. All of the seats carry three-year terms.

In the Mehlville Fire Protection District, the Board of Directors seat held by Chairman Aaron Hilmer since 2005 is up for election. The seat carries a six-year term.

Apathy is democracy’s greatest enemy because our form of government requires participation to be successful. So instead of sitting on the sidelines and complaining, file for office and participate.