Local voters heading to polls to cast ballots

Today is Election Day and a number of Sidney residents are heading to the polls to take part in that time-honored tradition of casting their ballot.

The polls are open today from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Registered voters in Sidney can cast their ballots at the Cheyenne County Fairgrounds, 10955 U.S. Highway 30. Voters in Gurley, Lodgepole, Potter and Union Valley will find polling places at their respective fire halls.

“I think voting is important as a citizen and an American to vote,”said voter Jim Gerhold, who cast his ballot at the fairgrounds this morning. “If we don’t get out and vote, we have no right to complain. It’s affects the future for not only ourselves but our children, and our children’s children.”

The opportunity to have their voices heard encouraged many voters to come out today.

“It’s our freedom,” said voter Virginia Goech. “It’s our constitutional right. It provides an opportunity to share our opinion.”

Although voting is an obvious opportunity for many citizens to voice their opinions, a number of voters have made this event into an annual ritual.

“I’ve always voted – all my life,” said voter Stan Belieu. “It’s just part of growing up. I plan on doing it every year.”

A number of local candidates are running uncontested. The key races in Sidney are the school board and city council races.

The School board race consists of four candidates vying for three seats. Randy Flamig, Thomas A. Von Seggern and Janet Rosenbaum are incumbents, while Lorilei M. Stark is a challenger.

The city council ballot consist of five candidates running for three seats. Roger Galloway, Wendall F. Gatson and Mark Nienhueser are the incumbents. Larry J. Collins and David Hrbek are the challengers.