Fremont County is large, diverse, and filled with opinions, or “talk in the 10.” “Talk in the 10” is an opportunity for you, our readers, to articulate and share your thoughts about what is happening in the community with the community. Letters may have been edited for clarity and length, but generally have been published exactly as received. The views expressed in the following are solely those of the author. Send your letters to our editors by emailing opinion@county10.com
As civic-minded people around our state debate the merits or faults of crossover voting, we need to also consider two important factors in deciding our government leadership.
First, did you vote?
In the 2024 primary election, a mere 27% of registered voters cast a ballot. If a candidate won by just over half the vote in their district or community, they may have won thanks to 16% of eligible voters. While some see it as a political statement to abstain from voting when the choices are between evil and slightly less evil, what often results is that the slightly more evil has a better chance of winning. It would be lovely to see ballots with clear “this person genuinely cares and is competent and this person might care but isn’t qualified or competent” as our choices, but that often isn’t our reality. The only say we have in this situation is to vote and hope they do a good job. (Note: There are some amazing candidates on the ballot this year, so this is not intended to imply otherwise.)
The other option is to run for office. I read an article that showed that one county in Wyoming has historically had totally uncontested races in 80% of the elections. EIGHTY per cent. Only one person chose to try, so by default, they won.
If you’re unhappy with your school board, your city council, your county commissioners, your legislators, your governor, etc., throw your hat in the ring.
Some of these roles are time-consuming, to be sure, and each deserves a candidate who will be dedicated to learning the roles and responsibilities and carrying them out with fidelity to both the law and the community. We see so much complaining on social media about things the city is doing wrong, or bad legislation, or any number of other issues that we care about. Online complaints solve nothing. Occasionally, they’ll bring awareness or an opportunity to learn something, but rarely do they lead to a solution.
Don’t like our government leadership? Step up to change it.
Run for office. Vote. Be involved in local meetings. Let your voice be heard.
Regardless of your political leanings, our community would be stronger if everyone voted. When we have the majority participating, then we can call what our leadership does a “mandate of the people,” but when it is a fraction of a fraction who choose our government, that is irresponsible on our part.
Candidates can file between May 14 and 29 this year. (School board candidates file in August after the primary). If you need to modify your party registration, you must do so by May 13th. If you aren’t registered, you can register at the polls.
We have a community full of incredible, intelligent, compassionate, capable humans. Surely, we can find a few to run for office? Will you?
Signed,
Sarah Reilley
she/her