Local governments make decisions about our schools, public safety, parks, transportation, and even how new businesses are developed. Some of the money used to pay for these services comes from people who live in the area, known as local taxes. Those taxes pay for things like classroom sizes and road repairs. When people vote for city councils, school boards, and county officials, they choose the leaders who will decide how that money is spent.
Historically, voter turnout in local elections is less than half of that for national elections, so a small number of votes can make a big difference. This can lead to decisions that don’t reflect the needs or views of entire communities, especially historically marginalized communities.
But increasing voter turnout in local elections can help ensure that all voices are heard. It can also promote a more representative democracy, where local leaders more accurately reflect the different perspectives and priorities of voters.
There are many ways to improve voting in local elections, including expanding access to information about candidates, policies, and polling locations. Nonprofits can also support community-based efforts to educate voters, including partnering with schools and hosting candidate forums. Finally, nonprofits can offer incentives to encourage voter participation, such as promoting discounts or freebies for Election Day at local businesses. This can help create a positive atmosphere around civic engagement and boost turnout among historically underrepresented communities. A simple change to the timing of local elections could make a huge difference in boosting participation.