Your local government determines what books go on your school shelves, how much money goes to fixing the potholes on your street, and who oversees policing and emergency planning. Local officials also make important policy decisions, including how much funding your city gives to schools and community projects, whether new businesses get the green light, and how your tax dollars should be spent.
Voting in local elections is crucial for democracy to work in your community 24/7/365. Local officials are also often elected in very close races, meaning your vote can be more powerful than you might think. Some of the biggest policy changes in history have been at the local level, including civil rights initiatives and environmental efforts.
A key reason people don’t vote in local elections is that they don’t understand how important their votes can be. Lauren believes this is due to a lack of easily accessible information on candidates and their positions. She points out that several nonpartisan online resources can give voters a more comprehensive look at local election candidate information, like a candidate’s background and beliefs, as well as their stance on issues.
Other reasons for low local election turnout include the perception that a vote won’t change anything, and an overbearing unitary party system that makes it hard to switch parties or challenge incumbents. Changing these barriers to voter engagement can help increase turnout and improve the quality of representation. The League of Women Voters has brought local election cases to court across the country and worked in legislatures and communities to pass laws that protect fair elections.
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