On this Fourth of July week, we celebrate our nation’s independence, values, and traditions. Amid the festivities, there’s a recent civic achievement in which Rhode Islanders can take particular pride.

The end of June brought the filing period for local and state candidates, and once the dust settled, it became clear that interest and involvement are up from 2014.

Across the state, roughly 250 people declared their candidacy for seats in the General Assembly. The number of legislative incumbents who face no challenger is down from two years ago. That goes for both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The same trend is playing out for local offices. In Warwick, more than 30 candidates filed papers to run for 12 positions, including mayor, City Council, and School Committee. In Cranston, 28 candidates will seek 17 local offices. In Johnston, 17 hopefuls filed candidacy statements for seven available seats.

Some of the contests will be decided in September’s primary. But there appears also to be a rise in the number of candidates running as independents for both legislative seats and city and town offices. That promises a number of three-way contests, and others in which party-backed incumbents will still need to campaign ahead of November’s general election.

Of course, filing a candidacy form is but an initial step. The real work was to begin July 6, as office seekers must pick up nomination papers and gather the required number of signatures – anywhere from 50 to 200, depending on the office – in a little more than a week. We wish candidates good luck in this task, and urge voters to lend their signature to help candidates if given the opportunity.

What has led to the increased level of involvement in 2016? The presidential campaign has surely played some part, as it inevitably increases the amount of attention paid to the electoral process as a whole.

The anti-establishment streak that emerged in both major parties through the presidential bids of Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump has clearly energized a wide swath of potential voters, and perhaps has played a role in the seemingly larger number of independent candidates in the Ocean State this year.

Local developments and lingering stories over the last two-plus years – 38 Studios, the fall of Gordon Fox, the vigorous debates over the PawSox stadium and truck tolling plans, among others – have also certainly contributed to the uptick.

Whatever the precise formula, we are pleased to see more members of our communities choosing to get involved as candidates. From city and town halls to Smith Hill, there are issues of great importance facing Rhode Islanders. Robust public participation in the democratic process is vital if we are to meet our shared challenges and seize the opportunities before us.