Your vote does matter

Did you know that in the 2016 presidential election, over 108 million eligible voters didn’t vote?

Were you aware that nationally, the voter turnout was less than 40 percent in the 2014 midterm elections and 21.4 percent of eligible voters were not registered? That’s greater than 46 million people.

And here is another sobering statistic — according to a Pew Charitable Trusts Foundation 2016 survey, around 60 percent of both unregistered and registered voters said they had never been asked to register to vote. The study also showed that eligible voters don’t register for two main reasons — they don’t like politics, but more importantly, they don’t believe their vote matters.

I am writing to point out that your vote DOES matter.

Here in the Okanogan County 2016 elections, 17,862 out of 22,456 eligible voters cast their ballots. That is almost 80 percent. And guess what, two new county commissioners were elected. Voting does matter. Your vote can be part of creating a significant change in your community.

Ballots are mailed by Oct. 19. If you are registered, you should have your ballot by Oct. 25. Online registration ended Oct. 8, but you can still register in person at your county elections office until Oct. 29. These offices are listed in the back of your voter’s pamphlet.

Remember, you don’t have to place a stamp on your ballot if you drop it in the mail. If you are sending it by mail, especially in the last few days and up to Nov. 6, election day, make sure you hand it to the counter person and have it postmarked for that day!

If you are unsure where your ballot drop box is in your community, the location will be listed in your ballot envelope, or call 1-800-448-4881.

Your vote is one of the most important ways you can effect change in your community. Don’t miss out on this opportunity.

Rick Rottman

Winthrop