Many of the policies that impact your everyday life are decided in local elections. From schools to public safety, from parks and transportation to new business development and even how your tax dollars are spent. Voting is an essential part of democracy and helps ensure that your community represents the people who live there. Local leaders and candidates often face much lower voter turnout than national elections, meaning that every vote really matters in local races. In fact, some local elections have come down to a single digit or a coin toss, which is why it’s so important to be informed about the issues you care about and make a thoughtful decision on Election Day.
Despite their immense impact, local elections receive far less attention than national or state contests. That is due to the lack of resources dedicated to voter engagement at the local level and the persistent presence of “news deserts,” where few if any media outlets focus on covering local politics. The result is a system of government that is not representative of the interests and concerns of most voters.
The good news is that there are steps local governments can take to encourage participation in their elections. This includes hosting candidate forums and debates, which provide voters with the opportunity to learn about candidates and their platforms before making a decision. Additionally, local boards of election (BOEs) can improve their transparency and accountability by making it easier for citizens to access election data and understand how their vote will impact the community.