Be at the voting booth May 12

Dear Editor, 

Do you ever feel that your voice—and your vote—don’t carry much influence? I’ve come to realize that there are meaningful ways to ensure both truly matter. In Nebraska, approximately 620,000 of the nearly 1.25 million registered voters are Republicans, with 1.25 million including all other parties. As a result, the outcome of the General Election often reflects this majority.

What I did not fully appreciate until a few years ago is that the primary election can be even more consequential than the general election. If we want to see meaningful change within Nebraska, the primary presents the most significant opportunity to shape that outcome. In the most recent statewide primary, voter turnout was only around 30%. This suggests that many Nebraskans may not fully recognize the impact of their participation.

If you want your voice and your vote to have the greatest influence, it is essential to participate in the primary election.

Equally important is staying informed about the issues and the candidates. At the county party level, we take time to meet with individuals running for office and may choose to endorse those we believe will best represent our community. In this election cycle, we have endorsed Elizabeth Tegtmeier for the State Board of Education, Scott Petersen for Secretary of State, and David Huebner for Congress. These candidates support local control, reflect the hardworking values of rural Nebraskans, and prioritize direct engagement with constituents.

Please make a plan to visit the polls and cast your vote on May 12. Your participation matters.

Respectfully,

Melissa Sauder

Chairman Perkins County Republican Party