It's a sure sign of spring.

Like dandelions, the primary campaign signs that have sprouted up around the county are multiplying the closer we get to the April 24 election.

On street corners, in yards, on billboards and even tractor trailers, they're inescapable.

This is crunch time for the candidates, the last chance they have to make their pitch and differentiate themselves from the field.

What a crowded field it is this year.

In the 4th Congressional District alone there are nine candidates -- seven Republicans and two Democrats -- vying for voters' attention. There are no fewer than 25 candidates in eight state House and Senate districts in York County.

These final 13 days before the primary also represent voters' last chance to do their homework on the candidates and issues.

And there are plenty of people out there who need to get cracking.

According to The York Dispatch poll conducted by Polk-Lepson Research Group, 56 percent of the Republicans surveyed in the 4th Congressional District have yet to decide who they will vote for in the primary. A whopping 84.9 percent of the Democrats still haven't made up their minds.

Keep in mind: These are people who said they intend to vote. They're not likely to throw up their hands and sit this one out.

Someone will get their votes.

It's a daunting task, getting behind a candidate this year. Voters have to choose from a cacophony of competing messages.

The candidates are doing a good job trying to reach out to residents in their districts, taking part in a seemingly endless series of meet and greets, forums and debates.

But they're human and have limits.

There comes a time when voters have to take an active role and educate themselves.

The York Dispatch has tried to make it easier for our readers.

On our website, www.yorkdispatch.com, you'll find a link to our Election 2012 page, where we've posted profiles of all the candidates, question-and-answers sessions with the hopefuls in every contested race and links to headlines from the campaigns.

Want to know who's contributing to whose campaign, and how much? You'll find it there.

With just a few clicks, you also can locate your polling place and answers to frequently asked questions.

And if you're curious to find out who those early birds are supporting, you can see our poll results -- not that you would let anyone else influence your decision.

The information you need -- to make the best choices for you -- is out there and readily available.

You just have to use it.