When local elections roll around, they may not get as much attention as national or statewide races, but their impact is no less significant. Local elected officials make decisions that affect people’s day-to-day lives, such as school curricula, zoning laws, and public safety policies. They also determine how accessible elections are by establishing voting hours, polling locations, and voter ID laws. Nonprofits can play a vital role in empowering voters through civic education and ensuring that these essential votes are accessible to all.
Voters who participate in local elections are able to choose leaders who are directly part of their immediate environment and understand the specific challenges they face. Moreover, their elected officials make decisions about the funding and services that their tax dollars go towards. Local election results can have a bigger impact than those from the federal level, especially given that the pool of eligible voters in any community is much smaller, and the margins for victory are often tighter.
It’s important for citizens to know how and where they can vote in local elections, particularly when they involve ballot initiatives that are proposed by citizen groups. A few steps to this end are promoting voter registration and making information on election dates, deadlines, and other key details available online. Educating people on how to research candidates’ backgrounds, beliefs, and stances on issues is another way to increase citizen knowledge and participation. Additionally, it is beneficial to offer options for citizens to request absentee ballots and cast early votes, as these can alleviate concerns about long lines on Election Day.