David Hill

Often, we think of our Founding Fathers as old men in powdered wigs; however, I am currently older than Thomas Jefferson when he wrote the Declaration of Independence or Alexander Hamilton when he signed the Constitution. 

Of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, 43 were 50 years old or younger. Of the 39 signers of the U.S. Constitution, 26 were 50 years old or younger. The youngest signers of each document — Edward Rutledge, Thomas Lynch and Jonathan Dayton — were 26. I feel a special honor to be related to both Thomas Lynch and Jonathan Dayton.

While people of all ages can engage in public service, I believe that younger people tend to have a particularly difficult time getting involved due to specific obstacles they face. And while these constraints are real and should not be ignored, I believe younger people should be more involved and interested in local and statewide affairs.

In Wyoming, there are several ways young people can be involved in public service. One way people participate is by running for office. This might include serving in the Legislature in Cheyenne, but just as important, I believe young people should consider running for local elected positions.

Serving in Cheyenne

Our Legislature has generally been made up of an older demographic. In 2018, more than half of the Wyoming Legislature were either Baby Boomers or part of the Silent Generation, and in 2022, it was newsworthy that the average age in the Legislature had decreased from 57.5 to 54. When looking at the profiles of our various legislators, a majority is either retired or close to it. 

One big reason for this is Wyoming’s aging population. Between 2010 and 2021, the population of those 65 and over increased 47%, while the total population of Wyoming grew just 2%. It makes sense that with an increasing population of people over 65, the Legislature would include a high number of people in the 65-plus demographic.

Another reason for Wyoming’s older legislative age is because the Wyoming Legislature is a “part-time” citizen Legislature. This means that our legislators meet for a month or two, depending on the year, and then return to their jobs and lives for the rest of the year. The legislative schedule makes it difficult for young people with full-time or year-round jobs to be able to take extended time away.

On top of the time required, many legislators experience significant costs. This includes the expenses of staying in a hotel for a month or two in addition to the lost income from not working. When the Legislature is in session or attending committee meetings, legislators are only paid $150 per day in addition to a $109 per diem and mileage reimbursement, and the pay tends to cover the costs of being in Cheyenne and not much more. For those who cannot afford to take a month or two off work, or those who have young families, the time commitment to serve in the Legislature is often difficult or impossible to navigate.

Serving Locally

Though some are interested in being involved at the state level, many who are unable to do so may still want to be involved in their community without leaving their town or county. For example, in the last election, there were positions open on the county commission, city and town councils, college trustees, and many other boards like the hospital, fire district, cemetery district, school district, museum districts and conservation districts. 

In total, there are at least 150 local elected positions in Park County and about half of those positions are up for election in any given election cycle not to mention the 44-86 or more precinct seats for our local political parties. In the 2026 election, there will be 80 local positions all the way from the county commission and county-wide positions to local boards. Most of these positions are decided during the filing period as it is not uncommon for only one person to run for a vacancy.

On top of the elected boards, there are many other appointed boards for individuals to join if interested such as planning and zoning, airport, contractors, county fair, etc. 

Get Involved

For those who are young or new to public service and interested in seeing if serving on a board is for you, I suggest testing the waters and getting involved with a local board. Even if you are not on a board, you can still attend and participate in public meetings. 

For many young people, and especially for those with young children, I understand that it may be easier to let other, “more interested” people make decisions for our community. However, because the decisions being made affect us and our children, I do not believe we can sit it out when important decisions are being made.

I want to encourage everyone to take a greater interest in our local and state governments. For those who have not been interested until recently, get involved! For those who think they are too inexperienced to get involved, start small. And for the younger generation who are concerned about being involved on boards or in the Legislature dominated by people twice your age, do not be discouraged, our country was founded by people just like you. 

Last but not least, make sure to vote!