It’s Primary Election Day in Wyoming, so if you haven’t already cast your vote, be sure to get to the polls before 7 p.m. tonight (Tuesday).

As United States citizens, we have the right to elect leaders at local, state and federal levels. Voting is a true privilege — but unfortunately, many Americans take it for granted.

During the last primary election in August 2014, only about 50 percent of registered voters in Park County showed up to vote. That was actually better than Wyoming as a whole; turnout statewide reached just 46.3 percent two years ago.

If you haven’t registered to vote, that’s OK — Wyoming allows voters to register on Election Day.

You’ve certainly heard your vote counts. We want to remind you it’s true.

Especially in a sparsely-populated state like Wyoming, every vote matters and a small number of voters can determine an election. A Powell City Council race was decided by just 18 votes in November 2014.

For local Republicans, much is at stake in today’s primary, as they vote in several important races.

There’s a rematch in Powell’s House District 25 as two Republicans once again face off for that legislative seat.

In the Park County Commission race, five Republicans are vying for two open spots.

Meanwhile, the U.S. House race has garnered the most attention statewide, with eight Republicans contending for nomination.

Top vote-getters in today’s primary will advance to the general election in November.

The good news for Democrats in Park County is that they have choices for local and state offices in this election. Since 2010, no local Democrats have run for office in Park County.

Three Democrats are running for local legislative seats — the last time Park County saw even two Democrats in legislative races was in 1988.

For unaffiliated voters — especially those in rural Park County — there isn’t much on the primary ballot. They’ll have to wait until the general election to weigh in on most local and state races.

If you need more details about candidates, check out the Tribune’s online Election Edition at www.powelltribune.com.

Being uninformed shouldn’t be an excuse to not vote. Here’s some basic information about voting in today’s primary:

• U.S. citizens who are 18 and older can vote. You will need to show a photo ID to register. Convicted felons cannot vote, unless their rights have been restored.

• Voters will weigh in on races for the U.S. House of Representatives, Wyoming Legislature, Park County Commission, mayor and city and town councils as well as precinct committee men and women.

• Early voting for absentee ballots started in July. Election Day voting started at 7 a.m. this morning (Tuesday) and will continue through 7 p.m.

• If you’ve registered to vote, just go to your polling place, based on where you live. The polling place for most Powell residents is the Park County Fairgrounds. Clark voters go to the Clark Pioneer Recreation Center, and those in the Garland area vote at the Garland Community Church. For Ralston area residents, the polling place is the Mountain View Club west of Powell. Cody area polling places include the Cody Auditorium, Cody Recreation Center, South Fork Fire Hall and Wapiti School, depending on where you live. The Meeteetse Senior Center is the polling place for Meeteetse area residents.

• If you haven’t registered, you must bring a photo ID to the appropriate polling place. If you don’t have a driver’s license, you need your Social Security number and another form of ID, such as a state ID.

Be sure to exercise your right to vote today. It matters.