Primary motivation; Few contests, but casting ballots vital for democracy.

• Position: EDITORIAL - Editorial

The following correction was published in the Telegram & Gazette on September 7, 2012:

An editorial about the state primary in yesterday's Telegram & Gazette omitted three candidates seeking the state representative seat in the 2nd Franklin District. Jim White of Phillipston was on yesterday's Democratic ballot, and Republican Susannah M. Lee of Athol and independent Rick Schober of Templeton will be on the ballot for the general election Nov. 6.

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COLUMN: IN OUR OPINION

With the Democratic National Convention in full swing, football season under way, and the fact that today is a Thursday, it would be easy for voters to overlook the fact that today is primary election day in Massachusetts. But so it is, and while there are not all that many contests for voters to decide, the lack of challengers in November means that votes cast today will secure terms for some both on Capitol Hill and Beacon Hill.

Locally, the featured attraction is a five-way battle for the Democratic nomination for state representative in the 15th Worcester District. Frank A. Beshai, Dianna L. Biancheria, Mary S. Keefe, Ralph Perez, and Kate Toomey are vying for the chance to succeed former representative Vincent Pedone. The winner of today's primary will face Republican Brian J. O'Malley in November.

Two other contests for state representative are on tap.

In the 4th Middlesex District, Joseph Collins Sr. of Marlboro and former representative Danielle W. Gregoire of Marlboro square off in today's primary for the chance to challenge Republican incumbent Rep. Steven L. Levy. And in the 2nd Franklin District, three Democrats are on the ballot: Incumbent Democrat Rep. Denise Andrews faces challengers Rebecca J. Bialecki and Genevieve C. Fraser. All three are residents of Orange. Today's vote will likely decide the race, as there is no Republican candidate on the November ballot. (SEE PUBLISHED CORRECTION)

Voters also face...