Opinion: Primary turnout disappointing for Reno County

By Michael Glenn

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“The vote is precious. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democratic society, and we must use it.”

Those words were spoken by John Lewis, the late civil rights activist and United States Representative from Georgia. 

Voting is extremely important in our democratic society. I hope we can all agree on that. 

However, the unofficial turnout numbers from the Reno County Clerk’s Office are bleak and embarrassing for anyone interested in state or local politics. 

16.89%. Are you kidding me? 

Let’s take a look at other turnout percentages from presidential years. In 2020, the turnout was 37.55% and in 2016? 30.02%.

While these are still lower-than-they-should-be numbers, it begs an important question. 

Let’s face it, some districts in Reno County and much of Western Kansas aren’t decided in November, but in August. The 114th House District, which is most of rural Reno County, doesn’t even have a Democrat running. 

Tuesday was the race, and the same argument could be had to a lesser extent for Senate District 34. 

We should learn from the 2022 primary election. The “Value Them Both” constitutional amendment, which would have given the power to regulate any and all abortions to the supermajority Republican Kansas Legislature, brought 19,153 Reno County voters to the ballot box. 

Compare that to this year’s number: 7,026. 

When people’s rights are on the ballot directly, we tend to show out. But when people who decide on our rights and freedoms and shape our future are on the ballot, we don’t follow suit?

Our legislators, county commissioners, city council members and school board members make decisions that impact our day-to-day lives more than anything in Washington, D.C. 

Act like your votes are direct referendums on policies, social issues and your rights. Because they are.