To the editor,

Unhappy with the way things are in our community and the country? Probably the most important action we can take to create change is to vote. This year we have four critical elections. Not all are as big as the mid-term elections this November, but every election is critical.

The first election where we can exercise our vote is the primary, coming up Tuesday, Feb. 17. Many folks blow off primaries, but these elections, which unfortunately have lower turnout, are where you can make a big difference. It stands to reason: the lower the turnout, the more impact your vote will have.

If you’ve requested a mail-in ballot, you should already have it in hand, as they went out January 27. If you didn’t request a mail-in ballot but still want to vote early, you can call your town or township clerk to vote early.  

So what’s on the ballot? Any seats that have more than two candidates. Candidates for city, township, county, and school board contests could be on the ballot. To find out what’s on your ballot, go to myvote.wi.gov and enter your name and address.  

Voting is your opportunity to do your part to save our democracy.

Pam Fricke

New Richmond