EDITORIAL: When the limelight fades, remember to participate in politics at local level

Posted 4/14/16

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders visited Laramie April 5, and went on to win the majority of votes in Saturday’s Democratic caucuses. Former President Bill Clinton also visited Wyoming recently as he campaigned for Hillary …

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EDITORIAL: When the limelight fades, remember to participate in politics at local level

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Politics in our small state rarely make national news. But Wyoming has recently seen the national spotlight as presidential campaigns make stops in the state.

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders visited Laramie April 5, and went on to win the majority of votes in Saturday’s Democratic caucuses. Former President Bill Clinton also visited Wyoming recently as he campaigned for Hillary Clinton, former secretary of state.

This weekend, GOP presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz is scheduled to speak at the Wyoming Republican State Convention in Casper. Representing frontrunner Donald Trump at the convention will be former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, while Idaho Gov. Butch Otter will speak on behalf of Ohio Gov. John Kasich.

In their dogged hunts for delegates, it’s interesting to see presidential campaigns turn their attention to Wyoming.

The presidential race has drummed up more interest among Wyoming voters. Here in Park County, voters made strong showings at the GOP and Democratic caucuses.

We’re glad to see so many voters participating in this important process, but we also hope that interest doesn’t wane when it comes to local, county and state races.

During the last primary election cycle, Wyoming saw a disappointingly low voter turnout. In August 2014, only 46 percent of the state’s registered voters cast ballots in the primary election. Turnout was a bit better in Park County, with 50.8 percent of voters going to the polls.

This year’s presidential race has created momentum among Wyoming voters who want their voice to be heard, and we encourage residents to stay involved in the months to follow.

It’s easy to get excited about politics when national candidates are flying into the state. But what about the local offices that lack the glitz of a national campaign?

It’s just as important to get involved in politics at a local, county or state level. After all, they are the public officials who make choices directly affecting your life — decisions about the streets you drive on, your child’s school and the property taxes you pay.

Especially in our sparsely populated state and rural community, local elected officials can truly make a difference.

If you’ve considered running for office — whether it’s the school board, city council, hospital board, county commission or another local board— you’ll soon have an opportunity to do so.

Wyoming’s filing period opens May 12 for candidates seeking nomination in the primary election. The deadline to file is May 27.

Some local incumbents have already announced their plans for re-election and challengers also have stepped forward.

Many local and county races go uncontested, but we believe competition is part of a healthy democracy. After several years without any Democratic candidates in Park County, it’s good to see at least one running so far, and more considering it.

The limelight of the presidential campaigns in Wyoming will soon fade. But now’s the perfect time to take an interest in local, county and state offices.

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