While presidential and midterm Congressional elections get the most attention, local elections are where the real power to shape your community lies. Decisions made by local elected officials — about things like road repairs, schools, and housing — can affect your daily life in more direct ways than those of national leaders. And because these decisions are often decided by just a few votes, your vote can shift the balance of power from someone who doesn’t have your interests at heart to someone who does.
Your local elected officials also make key decisions about how accessible voting is, including enforcing voter ID laws, determining polling hours, and establishing how easy or difficult it is to register and vote in your area. These local policymakers can also help to end harmful gerrymandering and other forms of voter suppression, and pass laws that protect your right to vote.
Local elections tend to have lower voter turnout than those at the federal and statewide level, but they can still have profound consequences for your everyday life. It’s crucial to vote in these elections, especially for historically marginalized communities. By voting and encouraging others to vote in local elections, you can help build a stronger democracy for everyone.