On a few rare occasions each year, I get the opportunity to meet and greet the wonderful people of Moffat County. I see democracy in action as the course of our republic is unveiled.

I'm an election judge for Moffat County -- a duty I consider to be an honor and a privilege. As a Realtor, politics plays a very important role in our rights to home ownership; therefore, I have been involved since 1978 as a Realtor. Since the early 1980s, I've been involved as an elections judge, party co-chairwoman with Mary Beth Pyle and an employee of the Moffat County Clerk's Office.

Having run for office, I know how important it is for our community to support the candidates and vote. So on Election Day, the citizens affirm their commitment to this process whether they are Democrat or Republican.

With the introduction a couple of years ago of the student judge program, the importance of voting starts at an age earlier than 18. I would like to commend Liane Davis-Kling for her involvement with the student judges and our city and county elections. The enthusiasm of the young judges makes it all work. It's very interesting to note what type of homes these judges come from, i.e. "My folks never miss voting," to "my folks never vote."

If I, as an election judge, can help the student know how important it is to vote, the time of this commitment makes it all worthwhile. Voting is a "privilege" and that privilege easily can be taken away and until you lose that right, can anyone realize the importance of such a right?

We've seen some changes throughout the years, but the best change this year was bringing all the voters together in one place to vote. The atmosphere was one like we've never had. The mall was accessible, people were friendly and saw friends they had not seen for some time, and our County Clerk and Recorder's Office made every effort to serve this community. The general public has no idea of the amount of time it takes to put on an election. For no other reason than that, go out and support their office by voting.