To the editor:

Kansans need to vote. Kansas has just under two million registered voters and only 63.3% voted in 2024. Non-presidential years are even worse, generally under 50%. Primary elections have dismal turnout, under 20%. Year after year I hear reasons why people won’t vote and it is a true dereliction of our civic duty. Young people, in particular, need to make their voices heard.

“My vote won’t make any difference.” Consider the percentages in the previous paragraph. Consider what a difference it would make if that other 40% to 50% actually voted. In addition, many local votes for candidates or issues come down to the slimmest of margins, occasionally a handful of votes. Your vote does make a difference.

“All politicians are the same.” This is just intellectual laziness. Yes, it can seem like that sometimes when we are bombarded with news and analog feeds that focus on the negative. But, if you pay attention, you can see that candidates often have very different ideologies. The impact of who is in office is real and affects our lives every day.

“I don’t like the candidates.” While understandable, this, too, is no reason not to vote. More frequently than I would have liked, I have held my nose and voted for the person less objectionable. True, it’s not the happiest way to participate in our government but it gives us the opportunity to weigh in. And, while it’s too late for this election cycle, poor candidates are partially a result of low voter turnout in primaries. While many voters would rather have more centrist candidates, primary voters generally come from the edges of the parties. I am an unaffiliated voter but I have changed my registration to vote in primaries. It’s easy to do.

If we are not part of the solution, we are part of the problem. Over and over, I hear people complain about the state of our communities, state, and nation but when pressed, they shrug and say they don’t vote. If you don’t like what is going on, then consider running for office yourself. Active voters tend to be a much older demographic, as are most of our elected officials. As a member of that older demographic, I want people of all ages and situations to participate. Great Bend should be proud of Rhys Froetschner, a young man running for the Kansas House. Other young people, regardless of political persuasion, should be encouraged to follow his lead.

Registered voters, if you have any questions regarding the process, check with your county clerk’s office. Then vote. Make it a habit and make your voice count.

Betsy Crawford-Gore

Larned