EDITORIAL: Get informed, get ready to vote

Posted 8/14/12

However, in this primary election, no Democratic candidates will appear on the ballot in local races. Nope, not one.

Unless there are write-in or independent campaigns, local candidates chosen on Tuesday, Aug. 21 will be our next leaders in the …

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EDITORIAL: Get informed, get ready to vote

Posted

A week from today, voters will make important decisions to determine who our future leaders will be.

The primary election allows Republicans and Democrats to choose their candidates for the general election in November.

However, in this primary election, no Democratic candidates will appear on the ballot in local races. Nope, not one.

Unless there are write-in or independent campaigns, local candidates chosen on Tuesday, Aug. 21 will be our next leaders in the Wyoming Legislature and Park County Commission.

Diversity helps a democracy thrive, and it’s disappointing no Democratic candidates filed in these important local races.

Also worth noting is the lack of candidates interested in running for the Powell City Council. Out of five city races, only one is contested.

By contrast, county and legislative races are highly competitive this year.

Seven Republican candidates seek two seats on the Park County Commission, while the House District 25 race has drawn four Republican contenders. For the first time in years, longtime Cody incumbents are being challenged for their legislative seats.

While voters likely will choose our future leaders next week, it’s not a done deal until November.

In partisan races, Democratic candidates can still make the general election ballot if they get at least 25 write-in votes in next week’s primary. For non-partisan races where only one candidate is running — such as the uncontested city of Powell races — write-in candidates also can make November’s ballot with as few as 25 votes.

People who want to make a run without any party affiliation can get on the ballot by submitting a petition with signatures at the Park County Elections office.

It’s important to show up and vote next Tuesday, but also to make an informed decision.

To help you get ready, the Tribune is compiling our 2012 election coverage in an online edition where you can read about candidates and local forums. In the week ahead, you still have time to research candidates’ positions and backgrounds so you can cast an informed vote.

We are blessed to live in a democracy, where we get to choose our political leaders.

Get informed, know your candidates and vote on

Aug. 21.

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