Local elections decide who runs vital services that affect millions of people every day. Yet these elections receive far less attention than federal or statewide races and are often held off-cycle. As a result, voters are not as informed and may feel that their vote does not matter.
Increased voter turnout is critical to local elections as it directly correlates with the health and vibrancy of democratic governance at the local level. Decisions made by local officials impact the daily lives of residents, including issues such as education, public safety, infrastructure, and zoning regulations. When voter turnout is low, decisions are disproportionately made by a small and potentially unrepresentative portion of the population, which can lead to policies that do not adequately reflect community needs or concerns.
Activating citizens through voter registration drives in community locations, providing access to free transportation to the polls, and providing translation and other assistance are just a few examples of how cities can encourage voting by their residents. Incentives and recognition are also important to voter participation. Celebrating civic engagement through social media and partnering with local businesses to offer discounts or other incentives can help increase voter turnout in local elections.
Candidates can ensure they are engaging with their community by participating in forums and other events that allow them to share their views on important issues facing the city. They should also familiarize themselves with local, state, and federal election laws, including campaign regulations, to avoid potential penalties or challenges to their candidacy.