Show up & Show Out - Locally

Immediate Impact

Local government officials make decisions that affect your community directly. This includes funding for schools, road repairs, local law enforcement policies, and public health initiatives. These decisions can shape the community's infrastructure and quality of life.

Voter Turnout

Turnout in local elections is traditionally lower than in federal elections, which means that each vote carries more weight. Historically, demographic groups like white Republican men tend to have high turnout rates and often vote down the entire ballot, ensuring their interests are extensively represented.

Completing The Ballot

Filling out the entire ballot is critical. Local positions such as school board members, judges, and city councilors hold significant power. Voting in these races ensures broad representation in decisions affecting local governance.

Representation

Local offices have historically been less diverse. Increasing the participation of minorities and women in these elections is not only about voting but also about encouraging members of these groups to run for office, enhancing diversity and representation.

The Ripple Effect

Local elections can have a ripple effect on national politics. Many national leaders start their careers at the local level, and local policies can often pilot ideas that are eventually adopted at higher levels.

Awareness and Education

It's important for voters, particularly minorities and women, to educate themselves about the candidates and issues on the ballot. Understanding who stands for your rights and community interests can make a substantial difference in the policies that get implemented.

Voter Suppresion

Be aware of and actively combat voter suppression tactics, which disproportionately affect minorities and the economically disadvantaged. These tactics can range from stringent ID laws to reduced polling places in specific communities.

The Cost of Not Voting

Choosing not to vote is often equated to giving a vote to the oppressor. When disenfranchised groups abstain from voting, they decrease their influence over decisions that may directly counteract their interests or rights. Every election skipped is an opportunity missed to voice opposition or support for crucial issues affecting daily lives.

Local elections shape the foundation of the political landscape and influence higher levels of government over time. For communities historically underrepresented or directly impacted by local policies—particularly women and minorities—participation in these elections is not just a right but a crucial tool for change and empowerment.

Every Voter Should Know

Every voter should be well-informed on several key aspects to ensure they are fully prepared to participate effectively in elections. Here are some critical pieces of information every voter should know:

Voter Registration: Understand the requirements for voter registration in your state, including deadlines and necessary documentation. Some states offer same-day registration while others require advance registration.
Voting Location: Know where your polling place is located. This information can often change, so it's important to verify your polling location before each election. Many states provide this information on their Secretary of State's website.
Voting Dates and Times: Be aware of the dates for any upcoming elections, not just federal elections but also state and local ones. Know the hours during which polling places will be open. If you're considering early voting or need to submit an absentee ballot, know those deadlines and procedures.
Identification Requirements: Some states require voters to present specific types of identification at the polls. Know what forms of ID are acceptable in your state.
Candidates and Issues: Inform yourself about the candidates and issues on the ballot. Non-partisan resources such as the League of Women Voters and Ballotpedia can provide information about candidates and ballot measures.
Ballot Types: Understand the types of ballots used in your state, whether they are paper ballots, optical scan systems, or electronic voting machines. Familiarize yourself with how to use them correctly to ensure your vote counts.
Voting Rights: Know your rights, which include provisions for voters who need assistance due to disability or language barriers, and the right to cast a provisional ballot if your eligibility is in question at the polling place.
Election Protection: Be aware of what to do if you face any problems at the polls. If you believe your rights have been violated, you can contact election protection hotlines (like those provided by the ACLU or the nonpartisan Election Protection Coalition).
Absentee and Mail Voting: Understand the process for obtaining and submitting an absentee or mail-in ballot, especially if you will be unable to vote in person on election day.
Rules on Electioneering at the Polls: Know what is and isn’t allowed at polling places in terms of campaigning or distributing literature, which can vary by location.

Staying informed and understanding these basics can help ensure that your voting experience is smooth and your rights are protected. Engaging in the voting process is a key component of civic participation and crucial to the functioning of a democratic society.

Learn More About Voting Laws Here