The turnout numbers from Tuesday’s primary election here in West Virginia should concern anyone who truly cares about our representative government.

Across the six counties in our region — Ohio, Marshall, Wetzel, Tyler, Brooke and Hancock — average turnout in this year’s primary was just 24.4%. That means fewer than one in four registered voters took part in choosing the candidates that will shape our communities, our schools, our courts and our future.

That figure is part of a troubling trend.

The average turnout for comparable off-presidential year primaries over the past several election cycles stands at 25.9%. In 2022, turnout was 26.9%. In 2018, it was nearly 27%. In 2010, more than 30.7% of voters participated. Only 2014 showed a lower turnout — 20.35%.

This year, only Tyler County exceeded its historical average turnout, posting a comparatively strong 34.1%. At the other end of the spectrum, Brooke County saw just 17.4% of its registered voters actually vote — meaning more than eight out of every 10 voters stayed home.

The reasons for this disengagement are many. Some voters believe their ballots do not matter. Others are frustrated by the tone of politics or feel disconnected from the issues. The barrage of nonsensical mailers filling mailboxes this year didn’t help, either.

But democracy cannot function as intended when so many citizens choose silence.

Local elections matter more than any other level of government. County commissioners decide how tax dollars are spent. School boards shape the education of our children. Judges and prosecutors influence public safety and justice.

When only a small fraction of voters participate, decisions affecting everyone are made by a narrow slice of the electorate.

That doesn’t benefit anyone.

If we want better government, more accountable leaders and stronger communities, we must first show up and participate. Tuesday’s turnout numbers are a warning sign. The health of our democracy depends on whether voters heed it.