Local Elections Mean Voting POWER

3/10/2023

Community Impact

Civic engagement is at the heart of local elections. Here is where those running for office are often, quite literally, the neighbors of those who will cast ballots for/against them; where the children of candidates go to school with the children of voters; and where the daily lives of both candidates and voters will be similarly affected by the election outcome.

Local elections affect the local infrastructure in ways that impact voters every single day – garbage pick-up, stop signs, water quality, street repairs, job development, fire departments, school boards, police funding – these are the purview of local governments.

Voters are more likely to speak with their local mayor, president, park district or school board member, than they are to meet the US President or their US Senator or Representative. And yet, voter turnout for local elections is usually low. Community members who do not vote are giving power to those who do vote.

It’s About the Numbers

Not only do voters have a greater likelihood of knowing their candidates in a local election, voters may actually have a greater impact at the ballot box in a local election. Why? Because instead of being one voter among hundreds of thousands, they are often one among hundreds. The numbers mean that even if everyone in the community votes, each vote weighs more than in a US presidential election.

Unfortunately, everyone does not usually vote. In fact, historical trends show local election voter turnout rates of 30% or less. A mere handful of votes can often mean the difference between winning or losing a local election.

All of this means that in a local election, there is a great opportunity for people who cast ballots to make sure their next officials reflect their viewpoints.

After the Election

It’s still about the numbers. In local government, there are fewer constituents per official, which usually means that local officials are more responsive to public needs and opinions. People who engage with their local officials – by sending emails, making phone calls, letting them know what they want – are very likely to be heard.

Use Your Voice

Community engagement is ultimately an expression of democracy. Every day actions are votes for the kind of community you want to live in.