An important election, despite lack of interest

The next election is now two weeks from today. But chances are you won’t bother to cast a ballot. Spring primaries are often the sleepiest of elections, often drawing as little as 15% of registered voters to the polls. These contests don’t have the star power of other elections, like last November’s, but these are important races. In fact, La Crosse County Republican Party Chairman Bill Feehan talks about the importance of local races in his latest podcast on the WIZM website. He argues that local races have much more impact on our day-to-day lives than the much-watched presidential contest. He is right. Whether it is county government, municipal government or the school board, the actions they take often have more tangible consequences, for our wallets and our way of life. But many  more people take the time to vote in the bigger elections. Now, because of the push for and rise in absentee voting, casting a ballot is easier than ever. Get to know the candidates in your local races. Find out where they stand on the issues important to you. Then, on February 16, or even earlier, do your civic duty and cast a ballot. It’s more important than you think.