It can be easy to get swept up in the national fervor of presidential elections every four years, but local councillors and school board members are also making important decisions that have real impacts on your daily life. Local government handles everything from zoning laws to policing policies, schools curricula, parks and library funding, and much more. It’s why it is so important that you vote in local elections and engage with your elected representatives to ensure that they are listening to you.
Voting in local elections is especially critical for historically marginalized communities, as research has shown that these communities are less likely to participate and their votes carry significantly more weight in local races. By voting, these communities can shift the balance of power in their favor and help push for systemic change.
Moreover, because local elections are often held off-cycle and only have low voter turnout, margins are thin and one vote can be the difference. This makes it particularly vital that all eligible voters vote in local elections.
Local governments can improve their electoral processes by bringing them on-cycle with federal and most statewide elections in even years, as well as improving the overall transparency of their election administration through citizen oversight and investigations. They can also work to ensure that all voters are truly represented by ensuring they have open lines of communication, addressing questions, concerns and feedback in a timely manner, and cultivating a unique twilight between themselves and their constituents.
About the Author
