Not too early to get involved

Regarding the two-thirds of non-voters: My grandfather used to say, “If you don’t vote, you can’t complain!” Over the last several election cycles, voter turnouts have been around 40 percent of eligible voters in the general elections and even smaller percentages in the primaries.

Many have long contended that most general elections are won or lost in the primaries. Case in point: Legislative District 1 in Idaho. In 2014’s primary, incumbent Rep. George Eskridge lost his seat due to low voter turnout. Not only did we lose a highly respected legislator, George was one of the last veterans serving in Boise.

George was a supporter of Idaho’s veterans. He did all he could to ensure that the sacrifices veterans made were recognized; that what veterans had earned was given. Now, due to a lack of participation in the process, we have representatives more concerned with their own narrow agendas than the most good for all Idahoans.

It is not too early to get involved in the upcoming primaries. It is not too early to get educated as to what the candidates stand for. It is not too early ask questions. Get involved and make a difference.

Gil Beyer

Sandpoint