Local elections determine who controls your city, school, library, and transportation services. They also decide where your tax dollars go—from public safety to parks to classroom books and beyond. But local officials make these decisions with minimal public oversight. Voting is the most powerful tool citizens have to ensure that their government works for them.
Despite their importance, voter turnout in local elections is often lower than in state and federal contests. Many people don’t know that local elections are taking place, or don’t understand what is at stake for their community.
As a result, they fail to participate or vote. Educating voters about local candidates, issues, and the value of their votes can help increase participation.
This month, local elections will take place across the country to elect councillors, borough, unitary authority, district, and city mayors. There are also elections for local education authorities, licensing trusts and district health boards.
The results of local elections are important because they shape the day-to-day functioning of democracy at the lowest level of governance. Increased participation leads to more accurate representation, better policy alignment, and stronger community cohesion. This is a major part of why it is so important for civic education to be integrated into the curriculum and why efforts are being made to make voting accessible to all students.