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As I moved into adulthood it was a clear expectation by my parents that I would be an active participant in my role as a voter. That I would take time to become knowledgeable of the issues presented on the ballot and the candidates running for office. As Louis Brandeis, an Associate Supreme Court Justice said, “The most important office, and the one which all of us can and should fill, is that of private citizen.” I was raised to believe that role, as private citizen, was the most important one, as we directed and determined who would govern us. The only way to do so, is to vote. I remember the first election I was able to cast my ballot in. To this day, I take that role as seriously as I did then. Voting has not lost its appeal or value to me. Even as I hear of election fraud and reports of lost ballots, I’m still determined to cast my ballot and through my ballot, speak my preference.

I have spent most of my adult life living in small rural communities. The term “grassroots” has always spoke to my heart. Afterall, it doesn’t get more grassroots in life than in a small community. Here in Sanders County, I have enjoyed each of the elections and the grassroots involvement of the people here. Even if my preferred candidate did not prevail. I love to be able to attend forums and meet the candidates face to face. I have been particularly interested in this current election cycle as it appeared local citizens had become more involved and were taking ownership of outcomes. With the national news detailing the importance of even the most local of elected positions, the School Board, I anticipated a huge turnout. So, I have been following the school board elections with a close eye. Post-election I was happy to be able to see the data provided by the Sanders County Deputy Elections Administrator, although I must admit, some numbers were a bit surprising.

First, hats off to Trout Creek School District with a 94% voter turnout. Woohoo! Of the 1,108 eligible voters in Trout Creek for the school board positions, 1,038 turned out. Excellent. Just what I was anticipating in our local elections. Trout Creek totally met my expectations of private citizens fulfilling their roles in a free society. Thank you.

But before I could be penalized for excessive celebration, I looked at the remainder of the numbers for our “West End” of Sanders County. Noxon, you still did yourselves proud with a 68% voter turnout. Of your 2,145 eligible voters, 1,448 actually voted. Not excellent but, still above the 50% line.

Plains had 2,954 voters eligible to cast their ballots with 1,133 voting, so earning them a 38% voter turnout. Hmmmm. A bit low you are thinking. I am thinking along those lines as well.

Now to Thompson Falls, which I call home. Of our 3,253 voters eligible to cast their ballots, 1,108 did. Just 1,108. Gosh, glad it wasn’t a competition as we came in dead last with a 34% voter turnout rate.

Abraham Lincoln said, “The ballot is stronger than the bullet.” And I still chose to believe his statement. By voting, perhaps we can prevent some bullets, or adverse policies, from flying about or being implemented. Perhaps by casting our ballots we can help to build stronger schools. Perhaps we can strengthen our city councils, county councils and utility boards. All these efforts will maintain freedoms and create a brighter future for the generations to come behind us. I hope as the election process for the county commissioner positions and the county sheriff continue, and when the ballots arrive in our mailboxes, we can be prepared to do our civic duty. I sure hope more of us vote the ballot and return our ballots so our votes will be counted. That is the best way I know of for our voices to be heard.

Perhaps we’ve become too comfortable. Maybe too involved in the latest Netflix release. Maybe we’re just tired. Tired of hearing of politics, of thinking of politics, of being responsible for our role in politics. Maybe some of each. But it doesn’t release us from our responsibility. In order to make this country, where freedom rings, stay free, we need to accept our portion of the load and carry it all the way to the ballot box. The framers of the constitution knew each of us are only one person and structured our founding documents to make sure our voice counted. So, use your voice. Speak loudly through your balloting at every election. As America Ferrera said, “It isn’t about who is the majority in Congress. It’s about, are people educated and enfranchised and resourced enough to participate in the government that purports to be of the people, by the people, for the people? We’re missing the people part—and not because people don’t care, but because we’re not doing our job as a country, as a culture, to make democracy work.”

We have another election coming up. Another opportunity to be informed, do your due diligence and vote. Be the people who show up, don’t be missing. Don’t rely on someone else to do your job for you. This is way too important for that.

Chelle is a recovering social worker who currently works as a licensed massage therapist at Cherry Creek Myotherapy. She moved to Montana with her husband David and two pups, Lucas and Turner, where they seek “the quiet life” amid new adventures.