Local elections are critical to the democratic process because they are where most Americans directly interact with government. Local officials make decisions that directly impact our daily lives – from public transportation, schools and emergency planning to housing and zoning regulations. And since local races can often come down to a few votes, every vote counts! In fact, some of the biggest policy changes in history — such as education reform and environmental initiatives — started at the local level before becoming national movements.
Despite the huge impact they have on our day-to-day lives, local elections often receive less attention than national ones, partially due to what Lauren calls an “information deficit.” Many voters are unaware of candidates and issues that affect them. They are also not engaged with their elected officials and may not be aware of the impact their vote can have on other governing bodies in their community, like school boards, county commissions and local judges.
The way to improve voter engagement in local elections is through community outreach and civic education campaigns. By distributing information about candidates and their platforms via community events, digital outreach and town hall meetings, citizens can build a rapport with local leaders and feel empowered to participate in the election process. It is also important to continue engaging with voters post-election, highlighting their successes and the positive impact their vote can have on their communities. This can be done by utilizing local media, email newsletters and social media.