The first rule of politicians is this: Get elected.

The second rule, just as important to officeholders, is this: Get re-elected.

Those are the cardinal laws for people who work in the business. For everyone else, consumers of politics (let's call them "the voters",) the fundamental question is this: "Who are these people, and what will they do for us?"

In the last election, just six weeks ago, voters spoke with their feet, in an historic way. Turnout in the preliminary vote was under 14 percent; six of every seven people did not bother to exercise their civic duties.

Despite polls open for 13 hours, and a new and improved voting system, the people largely took a walk. How sad.

But as the final election looms ahead next Tuesday, there is better news. There have been some lively campaigns, some direct exchanges between and among the candidates. In District 4, long dormant with a 10-term incumbent, the constituency has come alive with a vigorous challenge of old pol Charles Yancey by political newcomer Ego Ezedi. Whatever the outcome next week, how good it is to see that district engaged in discussion and debate over issues important to the people who live in that district! We do not vote in that district, so it's not right to tell people how to vote there. But District Four residents can rejoice in the certain knowledge that the winner can say he has received a true mandate from the people. A contested campaign almost always insures a higher profile and an improved political status for the winner.

Our vote will be cast on Tuesday in Dorchester's District Three, and we are pleased to support our incumbent, Maureen Feeney. No one works harder for her constituents than Councillor Feeney, and after a long series of contested campaigns for both the Council and the state Senate, her views are well known and she deserves her unchallenged victory.

We will vote as well for at-large candidates on the City Council, and as the campaign draws to a conclusion, here's our selection:

Maura Hennigan- A hard-working citywide councillor, she brings a dynamic alternative perspective to issues in the Council. People close to her believe she deserves to top the ticket.

Michael Flaherty- The new breed of Boston politician, one who knows and loves the city and is prepared to reach out and include all neighborhoods in the city's growing prosperity. A solid City Council president.

Felix Arroyo- A good and decent man, he represents not just Hispanic voters but progressive people all across the city.

Stephen Murphy- This Dorchester-born incumbent councillor has devoted himself to the job full-time, and he is well known and highly regarded for his easy accessibility and measured good demeanor.

The campaign is almost over, but voters should be advised to be cautious about last-minute flurries of scurrilous "campaign drops" or mechanized phone messages promoting other candidates. To date, we have learned what we need to know about the candidates. Now it is up to the voters to fulfill our responsibility and get out and vote. - Ed Forry

Publisher's Note: This week, we are delighted to tell our readers of a new addition to the family. John Patrick Forry was born on Saturday morning, October 25 at Beth Israel Hospital. His parents are Linda Dorcena Forry and Bill Forry, managing editor of the Reporter newspapers. His grandparents are Andre and Annie Dorcena of Howard Ave. and Mary Casey Forry and Ed Forry, co-publishers of the Dorchester Reporter. - E. F.