Local elections decide who runs the vital services we rely on day-to-day, like schools, leisure centres, libraries, bin collections and road repairs. They also shape the policies we live by — from zoning regulations and public safety to how new businesses are developed in our town. Often, they are decided by razor thin margins — so every vote matters more at the local level than it does in national elections.
Voters are often under informed, in part because local races tend to receive less attention than federal ones, and in many communities, there are few if any media outlets dedicated to reporting on their campaigns. This is why it is important to educate voters on how to research candidates and their positions on policy. Thankfully, there are many nonpartisan resources that can help provide voters with comprehensive information about their choices on Election Day.
In addition to providing voters with information, civic society organizations can play a critical role in promoting voter participation and accountability in local government. This can be done by educating citizens on how to request absentee ballots, and by advocating for fair practices in electoral administration.
Local elections are the backbone of our democracy. But with lower voter turnout than federal elections, and the ongoing presence of news deserts – areas where few if any media outlets devote any substantial reporting on local politics — it is up to each and every one of us to take action to ensure we have a strong, vibrant and inclusive democracy.