Our Viewpoint: Get out and vote

It's almost over. I haven't heard anyone talk about how they wish they could see more political ads and mailers or listen to and read more about politics.

 On Tuesday, local, state and national races and issues will be decided. I get chills when I think about what a privilege it is to be in this country and help decide what happens here. Legislative bodies make laws and they are enforced, but we have a choice of who we put in office and what changes are made to the constitution.

I love getting my ballot and feel proud when I walk in the elections office to deliver it. There's an anticipation and excitement building everywhere right now. And I love sitting in the courthouse basement each election day watching ballots being counted and numbers pour out.

When there is a presidential eleciton, it seems there is more interest and higher voter turnout. I wish anyone who was able to vote would. When it's "just" a school board or municipal election, the voter turnout is low. But those positions are just as important as senators and commissioners and Supreme Court justices. Those local officials are on the ground level making decisions for you. In small communities, we feel those effects more. When we have municipal or school elections, often I will be the only spectator in the room, but I still feel as much excitement.

   We have an incredible local elections staff in the county who works hard to ensure the integrity of our elections. At each polling place, there will be election judges who have gone through training and who take their jobs seriously. 

I hope there are waiting lines at polling places on Tuesday and we set a record for voter turnout in Sanders County. We have a choice, and no matter whose ovals you are filling in, I hope you choose to cast a ballot.

— Annie Wooden