Regardless of who you voted for, these statistics show that voter participation, especially amongst young people, is crucial to a fully actualized democracy. This year, voters across the country will elect new governors, state senators, mayors, and other locally-elected officials. These elections receive less press coverage, but they matter just as much. And how you vote and get involved in your local elections can make a big difference in your community and spark change on issues that you really care about!
Elections happen every year, not just every four. However, on average, only 27% of voters participate in local elections. This percentage can vary depending on whether the local elections coincide with a major election cycle, but the group that votes isn’t always representative of the community since it’s such a small sample.
There is a misconception that local elections aren’t as important as presidential elections. While it’s true that local races get little media coverage, the fact is they can have a significant impact on your day-to-day life, your finances, and the future of your community.
One of the fundamental values of democracy is the right to elect representatives. Local representatives matter just as much as elected officials who hold positions at a state or federal level. These people can have an impact on where funding from local taxes goes, what kind of job or housing program your local government offers, or whether it invests in green initiatives.
The outcome of a local election can affect matters like taxes, budgeting, your local infrastructure, housing, and more. Here is how the different representatives you vote for can make a difference:
Local elections aren’t just about choosing representatives, though. The ballots often include yes or no questions, known as ballot measures or city questions.
The purpose of these questions is to poll citizens and find out if they approve of a specific project. For instance, on November 2, voters in Minneapolis will decide whether they support the removal of the city’s police department to create a Department of Public Safety instead.
Not all ballot measures are crucial, but they can impact your day-to-day life and economic opportunities. For instance, Richmond voters will indicate whether they support the construction of a new casino in the upcoming election.
Voting in local elections is the best way to make sure your voice gets heard. So, now is a good time to check if you’re registered to vote or register if it’s the first time you’re voting.
You can use the Up to Us Local Elections Get Heard Guide to find out about upcoming elections in your area. If you’re unable to vote on election day, look into early voting in your state or request an absentee ballot, so you can vote by mail.
You can make a difference by talking about the elections. Because local elections receive little media coverage, people might not be aware that they’ll get a chance to vote or might not know much about the issues they’ll be polled on.
Share practical information about where and when to vote, both in person and on social media. Research candidates and issues, so you can discuss why the elections are important for your community.
Concretely, you can make a difference by helping people check their registration status or request an absentee ballot, or even by carpooling together to your local polling station.
You can do more to get involved. Local politics are a great way to learn more about how a government makes decisions, and it could be the start of a career in politics. Plus, you’ll get to make a difference for issues that affect your loved ones. Here are a few ideas: