By CAT OZMENT
Chair
Democratic Party of Los Alamos

In these last hours of the 2022 midterm election, I make a final plea to the thousands of voters in our county who have not yet cast a ballot: please vote. It does not take long, and it is essential to our democracy that you not let other people decide for you.

Did you know that one of the primary causes of low voter turnout on Election Day is the weather? If it snows or rains or is cold, people are less likely to vote. We are, on net, less likely to exercise our precious right to democracy if the weather is unpleasant.

Luckily, it is 60 degrees and sunny in Los Alamos. So what are you waiting for?

Elections are about the voters. The focus goes to the candidates, for good reason: we, the electorate, have to choose who among the options will best share our values. We choose who we think will represent our interests and listen to our concerns during their term. We have a choice to make, so we as a community focus on the options.  

But at the end of today, when votes are tallied, it will go back to being about the voters. What the majority of the people WHO SHOW UP want will determine our governance for the next 2-4 years.

So on this beautiful, sunny day, I encourage you to remember that elections are about the voters, and that voters have to show up. Please, be part of the chorus of voices that will decide the next chapter of our story.

Polls are open until 7 p.m. at the Municipal Building, White Rock Town Hall, Los Alamos Golf Course, UNM-LA and Betty Ehart Senior Center.  

You’ll have celebrated the right to choose our leaders that we must never take for granted. You’ll also get a sticker, a peppermint candy, and the knowledge that you did your part.