I’m sure that you hear the phrase “Your Vote Matters” at least a handful of times each election season, but what does this slogan really mean? Does your vote matter just as much in local elections as it does in presidential elections?
To be frank, yes, your vote matters just as much in local elections that you don’t hear too much about (like the one that just happened on November 2), as it does in mainstream presidential elections (like the 2020 presidential election between former president, Donald Trump and current president, Joe Biden). In fact, your vote in local elections often have a bigger impact because, on average, only 15% to 20% of registered voters participate in local elections, while a much larger percentage participate in general elections!
why does your vote in your local election matter?
Your local government is responsible for many things that directly affect your life. This includes:
- Schools and education systems
- Police and public safety (including emergency medical services)
- Housing costs
- Public transportation
- Public works (including streets, snow removal, sewers, etc.)
- Local court system
They are also responsible for deciding things that relate to some hot-button policy issues including:
- Deciding sanctuary jurisdiction status (directly affecting immigrants)
- Alcohol and marijuana ordinances
By voting in your local election, you are ensuring that you have a say in the things that are happening right in your own neighborhood and community. Your vote will directly impact your neighbors, friends and children.
The local government is also a much easier way to ensure that you have representation in the federal government. Your local officials and politicians care about you and your vote because you are one of their (relatively few) constituents. They are likely to listen to your problems or concerns that you want addressed because they want you to be represented, and they also want your vote in the next election. You have a much better chance of influencing your local officials than you do President Biden for example, simply because President Biden has millions of people to account for, and your local officials have much fewer. If you want to, you can have a large voice in your local government. This starts with your vote.
Why do so many people not vote in local elections?
Often, people do not have enough information about the election or their candidates because it is not covered extensively in the media. This means that you need to do just a little bit of research before going to the polls for your local election. But, this is not difficult. Most candidates have websites that lay out their beliefs and policy preferences, and you can often find articles published by newspapers and websites outlining all of the candidates running in your election. By doing this research beforehand, and finding candidates that align with your beliefs, you can quickly and painlessly cast your vote and make a difference in your local community.
Voting in your local elections (and all of the other elections!) is an incredibly important way to make your voice heard! While the most recent local election just passed, you will have many opportunities to vote in the future. There is even a club on campus called Pitt Votes that is there to help with any of your voting needs! Make sure to stay up to date on the elections happening in your state and community, and remember that your vote always matters.
Register to vote at: https://vote.gov/