This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Re the Count My Vote initiative: As a rural Utah resident and county delegate I see a statewide primary as taking away the voice of rural Utah. Political campaigns rely on money. Why would a statewide candidate spend any of that money on citizens south of Santaquin and north of Ogden?

About 75.8 percent of our state's population is along the Wasatch Front. The population numbers would not support the expenditures. In a few election cycles, Utah would be like California where rural residents have no representation.

In March neighbors will gather to elect local representation to their party's county and state convention. While attending the Washington County Republican Convention I have met Evan Vickers, Brad Last, Orrin Hatch, Ted Stewart, Mike Lee and others seeking public office. In one step our neighbors are meeting individuals whose votes will impact our lives.

Washington County delegate turnout is high at our convention. Roll is taken. At the state convention two delegates will vote the will of our neighborhood. A statewide primary would benefit those who have the most money and leave rural Utah citizens with no voice.

Lisa Beck

New Harmony