With the embarrassing policies reported in the first three weeks of the legislative session, it should be a wake-up call that voter apathy is harming Oklahoma. This past election, Oklahoma saw the worst voter turnout in our recorded history. This rate of 40.7 percent of registered voters going to the polls signaled one of the worst state levels of electoral apathy. Nationwide, turnout was the lowest for midterm presidential races since World War II.

I wish voter apathy was a one-time occurrence for our state. We need only look back one election cycle to see concerns. The U.S. Census Bureau reported of the 50 states and Washington, D.C., Oklahoma ranked 49th in eligible voter turnout. Only Hawaii and West Virginia had poorer performances. Statistics published by Oklahomans for Ballot Access Reform show voting rates for all age groups declined from 2008 to 2012 except 65- to 74-year-olds. The rate of increase in this age group grew from 68.1 percent to 80.7 percent. In contrast, Oklahomans age 18 to 24 voted at a rate of 41 percent in 2008, but declined four years later to a 27-percent rate.

I still remain an optimist that our state will overcome this electoral apathy. Bad press from elected officials should be enough to infuriate Oklahomans to not only cast ballots, but to also get involved, maybe even running for an office.

If you want to initiate positive change, begin with your political party.

If you are a registered Republican, attend upcoming county meetings, and then the state convention on April 11. More information can be found at www.okgop.com or call the office at (405) 528-3501.

If you are a registered Democrat, precinct meetings will be March 12. County conventions will be April 11. The five district conventions are split between May 2 and May 9. The state convention is May 30. More information is at www.okdemocrats.org or call the office at (405) 427-3366.

On a final request, also attend the education rally at the state Capitol on March 30 and demand responsible, intelligent policies.

Show up and bring a positive influence. Your voice might be the difference in shaping laws that better our state and hopefully ending the shame coming from our state Capitol.

Joe Dorman, who served as a state representative, is from Rush Springs.