Dear editor:

We still have a general election to get through on Nov. 5, however I wanted to write a “complaint” to all the registered voters in Park County. After all of the concern regarding illegal voting and unregistered voters “sneaking in” to cast their unauthorized ballots, I think that we should be more concerned with the number of legal, registered voters who did not show up to vote at all. What is going on, Park County? There were many voter outreach opportunities to meet the candidates, learn where and how to vote and even talk to people offering assistance to make sure you had everything you needed to know to vote on Aug. 20. Newspaper editorials and social media featured information as well.

I was part of a group of people who knocked on doors to visit with you about your concerns and to answer any questions about the voting process. Our group of 57 canvassers made 42,871 voter contacts across Wyoming; asking questions and collecting feedback from citizens about issues they felt were important to them. We canvassed in Cody and Powell several weekends through June and July, knocking on doors and visiting with registered voters of both parties.

But Election Day came and you did not show up. Why? The Park County Elections office shows that there are 15,742 registered Republicans in this county, but only 8,536 Republicans actually voted. Out of 1,158 registered Democrats, only 318 of them actually voted, too, so I blame both parties for the lack of participation. Absentee and early voting is still permitted in Wyoming and the numbers for this option were down, as well.

We understand that most of our local and state races are decided in the primary election and those candidates can affect our lives for many years to come. Without a challenger from another party in the general election, those primary election winners will have smooth sailing to their elected positions next term.

Shame on you, Park County. Please show up for the general election on Nov. 5. The elections office phone number is 307-527-8620. Call them if you have questions or to request an absentee ballot so you don’t have to leave home to vote. Early voting begins Oct. 8 and we are all counting on you!

Laurie Larsen

Powell