A glance at the voter turnout record for the recent primary election in San Juan County shows that out of 11,491 registered voters in the county, only 7,400, or 64.4 percent, voted.

This is a dismal response from a county that sends ballots out in the mail and we don’t even have to show up at a polling place. It doesn’t even require a postage stamp to vote. There is a drop box on Orcas Island at the senior center. allowing one to drop off their ballot and have it delivered for free. We’re talking about a location a few blocks from Island Market, of which, I am confident, most Orcas Island residents frequent from time to time.

There are conveniently located drop boxes on San Juan and Lopez also, so hardship can’t be the deterrent. Perhaps the low participation is due to ignorance or apathy. So get educated. Apathy doesn’t cut it.

We have some important decisions to address in the upcoming general election that will affect every one of us. Participate or stifle your complaints after the fact.

If you are in favor of big government, higher taxes, and a stagnant economy, vote Democrat. If you are in favor of smaller government, lower taxes, and more jobs created by small business, vote Republican. If you don’t like those choices, vote any way you want. But please vote.

Jerry Reger
Eastsound