During a visit at The Chronicle recently, Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman predicted a 26 percent turnout of eligible voters in the upcoming Aug. 4 primary.
While admitting arriving at such a precise number requires some arbitrary analysis, she lamented the longstanding trend of few voters filling out their ballots in off-year elections.
“This is always the most challenging election of the four-year cycle because, ironically, the positions that affect people’s daily lives are not always the most glamorous ones,” Wyman said.
By now, most are aware of the cycle, and beyond somehow peeling back layers of apparent voter indifference and apathy, there isn’t much that can be done to change it.
Still, it’s certainly worth repeating that the primary election ballots mailed out in recent weeks contain the power to truly impact our lives.
While the presidential election seems to drive more participation, it isn’t the nation’s executive office that determines how much you pay for utilities, when roads are repaired and the amount of local taxes levied on your property.
The Chronicle will conclude its primary election previews this week with a look at the Tenino mayoral race.
Previous stories can be found online at www.chronline.com.
Ballots must be postmarked by Aug. 4 or returned to a dropbox by 8 p.m. on election day.
The Veterans Memorial Museum has been the subject of praise since its creation nearly 20 years ago.
Over the weekend, visitors to the annual Civil War reenactments on Tune Road south of Chehalis were provided with all the more reason to recognize the museum for its vast positive impact on our community.
Hundreds attended the event, which featured a reenactment of the surrender of Confederate troops. The sights and pageantry might distract many from recognizing that the event fits well within the mission of the museum.
“Our mission is to honor veterans. There are no living veterans of the Civil War,” Executive Director Chip Duncan said. “Once you have veterans passing away, that part of history is relegated to the history books ... ”
“By them re-enacting it, it’s helping bring to the limelight and the general understanding of the American people what actually happened. It’s the best way to remember them right now.”
The best way to support those dedicated to honoring veterans is to continue supporting the museum, which is located at 100 SW Veterans Way in Chehalis. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. year round. During the summer, it is also open from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
Call (360) 740-8875 for details on how you can play a role in helping the musum continue to accomplish its important mission.
