Karla's Kolumn

Let’s be honest, no one wants either of the two major party candidates in the White House so I wonder what that will mean for voter turnout Tuesday.

If we all remember the Bush-Gore election of 2000, We know that every vote counts in a presidential election. But it’s also your turn to be heard. In Wyoming there are six candidates for president on the ballot – in addition to Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton, there is Libertarian Gary Johnson, Constitution Party candidate Darrell Castle and independent candidates Rocque De La Fuente and Jill Stein (Green Party).

You have choices at the poll to let your displeasure known about the major party candidates. Coming and voting is better than not coming out to vote at all.

Besides the presidential election there are many important local races that need your vote. Worland will be electing a new mayor, voting on council members and school board members as well. These races are important for the future of our community.

In Hot Springs County, along with local races they have an important decision about the hospital with two tax initiatives on the ballot.

And don’t forget, Wyoming is electing our next representative for the U.S. House.

This year’s election is more than just our next president. In addition to voting for our national leader and shaping the future of our country, you need to get out and vote to shape our local future.

Since I’ve been eligible to vote I haven’t missed an election. I feel it’s important to be a part of the process. I know women fought hard to give me the right to vote, especially in Wyoming. It’s a privilege and a duty I don’t take lightly.

Voting is so important that five amendments address the right starting with Amendment XV Section I, which states, “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

Amendment XIX: The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.

Amendent XXIV: The right of citizens of the United States to vote in any primary or other election for President or Vice President, for electors for President or Vice President (electors are outline in Amendment XXIII), or for Senator or Representative in Congress, shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State by failure to pay any poll tax or any other tax.

And finally, Amendment XXVI: The right of citizens of the United States who are (18) years of age or older to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age.

Voting is a part of who we are as a democracy. I may not agree with your vote and you may not agree with my vote, but I agree that we all have the right to vote.

Traditionally, Washakie County has had an extremely high voter turnout during presidential elections. Let’s hope that trend continues Tuesday. See you at the polls.