Dear editor,
Last November, 76% of Ogle County registered voters made their choice on the officials they wanted to run our government, including Federal, State and some local elected positions. On April 1, 2025, less than 30% of our registered voters voted for officials in local positions, including school and library boards, townships, etc.
Elected positions are in many ways thankless jobs – at the county level or below the pay is not necessarily representative of the work that is expected. No matter how well someone does their job, there are always going to be people unhappy with the job being done. If you have never attended a local board meeting, city council meeting, county board meeting or any other of the many meetings that take place each month somewhere in Ogle County, I would encourage you to do so.
Decisions are made at every level of government that affect each of us, through the amount of taxes we pay, the services we receive, regulations that may affect the air we breathe or the water we drink, and our basic Constitutional freedoms. Sometimes changes affect us immediately, or they occur more slowly so we may not notice them until a freedom is lost (like reproductive rights for women).
Last October, I took on the job of leading our Ogle County Democratic Party as Chair. Like many others in this county, I never spoke up about my political affiliation – I convinced myself I was an Independent. But I have learned as I have gotten older that in order to make a difference, you need to stand up and do something. Right now I believe that at all levels of government we need two healthy parties, working together to find common ground and making the best decisions for the people of our country (ALL of the people, not just those who share certain beliefs).
In the last two months we have seen up to 400+ Ogle County residents come to Oregon to peacefully voice their opinions on the activities of the current Federal administration. This is democracy in action. It shows that people are concerned about what is happening that could affect them, their families, neighbors and friends.
An excuse I hear about the low turnout for Consolidated elections is that there is no reason to vote because there are no contested races and in many cases no one running for an open position. Instead of not voting and then complaining, get involved. Run for an office, find someone else to run and support them. Get involved in the political party of their choice. Both parties in Ogle County have a Facebook page and a website. Each party holds events and fundraisers.
The decisions being made today by our elected officials will affect all of us, our children, grandchildren and future generations for many years.
Stand up and make a difference.
-Linda Pottinger, Oregon
