Local elections may not get as much press as national and state races, but they have a big impact on your daily life. Your local officials make decisions about the services and programs you depend on, from classroom sizes to road repairs. They also decide how tax dollars are spent. The leaders you elect at the local level determine whether your community is safe and thriving.
It is crucial that voters understand how important it is to vote in their local elections. However, many citizens are not well-informed and can be misled about how their votes will impact the future of their communities. Informed voting helps ensure that local governments accurately reflect the desires and necessities of their communities, driving real positive change.
To help combat the common myths that cause citizens to not participate in local elections, civic education campaigns can be implemented to provide constituents with the information they need to cast an informed ballot. For example, local governments should make the voting process accessible to residents by providing in-person and absentee ballots. They should also advertise these options through websites, newsletters, social media, cable channels, and local news outlets. Additionally, hosting candidate forums and debates can provide a platform for candidates to discuss their platforms in person. This allows constituents to see and compare candidates’ perspectives and leadership styles before making their decision. Ultimately, this will help them feel empowered in the democratic process and more likely to vote on Election Day.