While presidential elections and midterm Congressional races often get the most headlines, local elections are a crucial part of democracy. Local officials—like mayors, school board members, city councillors, county commissioners, and judges—make decisions that impact your day-to-day life. These are the people who decide how your tax dollars are spent, including on things like parks, public safety, and community projects, and whether new businesses can open up in your neighborhood.
In some cases, these races can be decided by a few dozen or even a single vote. That makes every vote that’s cast incredibly important, especially for historically underrepresented communities and individuals. When these communities are well-represented, they can help to shape decisions that reflect their needs and interests. However, low turnout in these elections often results in decision-makers who do not fully reflect the population they serve.
Civic education campaigns are a powerful tool for increasing voter participation in local elections, and they should be promoted through multiple channels to reach as many potential voters as possible. This can include social media, email notifications, newsletters, cable news, and local government websites. Community events, recreation programs, and municipal meetings can also be great opportunities to provide information about upcoming local elections.
In addition to encouraging voting, it’s also essential to remind citizens that they can take action after Election Day by submitting feedback or advocating for policy changes with their elected officials. This can lead to positive change, and it is crucial for maintaining the momentum created by a successful local election.