Tuesday, Nov. 5 is Election Day. This year’s ballot includes several critical choices, like federal and state offices, along with a few state propositions that could significantly impact our local business community and workforce. As residents and business leaders, it’s essential that we show up in numbers to participate in shaping the future of our community.

This election, we’ll be voting for state roles such as District 26 State Representative and the Regent of the University of Colorado — At Large, as well as local offices like Routt County Commissioner for Districts 1 and 2. We’ll also be electing a new president of the United States.

Why should our business community care? The decisions made in this election will have a direct impact on our local economy and quality of life. Policies set at the federal, state and local levels can affect operating costs, availability of affordable housing, mental health resources and funding for education, which shape our quality of life. They can also affect ability to retain and attract a strong workforce and grow business locally. Knowing the Yampa Valley’s current challenges, including a housing shortage, high suicide rates and inflationary pressures, it’s clear we must choose leaders who are equipped to tackle these issues.

We’ve seen strong voter participation in the past, with 79.33% of Routt County registered voters casting their ballots in the 2020 general election.

This year, let’s aim even higher.

The stakes are too high to sit this one out. Every vote represents a chance to guide policies that support the long-term health of our business community, sustain our workforce, and protect the unique character of Steamboat Springs.

A thriving business community means more than just profits. It means quality jobs and opportunities for our residents, a preserved sense of community character and the ability to sustain the services and amenities that make our area such a special place to live and work. When our local businesses succeed, the entire community thrives.

In preparation for the November election, I encourage you to check your voter registration status or register to vote if you haven’t already. Ballots are being mailed out this month and must be mailed back or dropped off at a drop-off box by 7 p.m. on election night.

For a list of drop-box locations and information on voting in person, please visit the Routt County website.

It’s natural to feel frustrated by political division and wonder if there’s really anything we can do to affect change. However, voting is a crucial part of shaping the world we want and creating a future we can proudly pass on to the next generations.

As Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “An individual has not started living until he or she can rise above the narrow confines of personal concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”

Vote. The future of our businesses, our workforce, and our community depends on it.

Sarah Leonard is the chief executive officer of the Steamboat Springs Chamber.