Russell Stafford

Every generation inherits freedoms that someone else fought to preserve. For many Americans, that service has meant time away from home, missed birthdays and holidays, long deployments, and, for some families, the ultimate sacrifice.

One of the simplest ways we honor those sacrifices is by using the freedoms they helped protect.

We vote.

Voting is more than checking a box on a ballot. It is our opportunity to have a voice in the decisions that affect our families, our communities, our state and our nation. As a veteran, I believe voting is part of the responsibility that comes with citizenship.

Military service teaches us that decisions made far away can have very real consequences at home. Elected officials make decisions affecting healthcare, veterans’ benefits, military families, employment, housing, transportation and community services. When political disagreements in Washington lead to disruptions in government funding, service members and their families can experience financial uncertainty and unnecessary stress.

Whatever our political beliefs, those who serve our country should not have to carry the burden of political gridlock.

That is one reason voting matters.

But voting also means thinking for ourselves. We should learn about the candidates and issues, ask questions, consider reliable information, and make decisions based on our own convictions. We do not have to vote according to someone else’s expectations, political parties or personal pressure. A healthy democracy depends on citizens who are willing to participate and make their own informed choices.

Voting in Powell and Park County

For residents of Powell and Park County, the 2026 General Election is Tuesday, Nov. 3, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Most City of Powell residents and many surrounding residents, including much of the Willwood area, will vote at Heart Mountain Hall at the Park County Fairgrounds, 655 E. Fifth St. Some Powell-area residents, including voters in certain precincts; Garland residents and some residents north and east of Powell, will vote at the Powell Fairgrounds. Because polling places are based on precinct and address, voters should verify their individual location before Election Day.

Early voting continues through Monday, Nov. 2 at the Park County Elections Office, 1002 Sheridan Ave. in Cody.

Wyoming voters may also request an absentee ballot. Absentee ballots are not automatically mailed to voters; a new request is required for each election cycle. Completed absentee ballots must be received by the county clerk by 7 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.

Wyoming allows eligible voters to register and vote during the early-voting period and on Election Day, subject to the state’s identification and documentation requirements.

When voting in person, Wyoming requires an acceptable form of identification. A Wyoming driver’s license, U.S. passport, military ID, tribal ID and several other forms of identification are accepted.

For questions, Park County Elections can be reached at 307-527-8620 or voterinfo@parkcounty-wy.gov.

As veterans, we know that freedom carries responsibility. As citizens, we share that responsibility.

So check your registration. Learn where you vote. Study the candidates and issues. Ask questions. Make your own decision.

And then vote.

Our voices matter, our participation matters, and the responsibility belongs to all of us.

(Russell Stafford is a former Post 26 commander and the past commander of The American Legion Department of Wyoming.)