According to an annual report from Gallup, 67% of Americans trust local government to handle local problems, while only 32% trust the legislative branch of the federal government.
This discrepancy in trust levels isn’t particularly surprising. Local governments are closer to the community, making them more directly accountable to the people they serve. However, this raises an important question: How many of us are truly paying attention to what is happening in our local and state governments? And why does voting in local elections matter?
In my town’s 2024 annual town election earlier this year, the voter turnout was a dismal 4.98%. Yes, you read that correctly: Only 997 people – out of 20,010 registered voters – chose our local government officials. These positions included seats on the Select Board, Gas & Electric Commissioners, School Committee, Board of Assessors, Town Moderator, Finance Committee, Planning Board, Park Commissioners, and Housing Authority.
Even more concerning is that out of the nine groups on the ballot, most were uncontested. Participation in local matters and voter apathy in my small town – and across the United States – is a real and pressing issue. The people running your town or city are impacting almost every aspect of your daily life, yet most of us are paying no attention – until those elected officials do something we don’t like.
Consider these questions:
- Do you disagree with new developments or buildings in your community? Did you vote for the people on your Planning or Zoning board?
- Are you surprised about something happening in your school system? Have you attended School Committee meetings to stay informed and voice your opinion?
- Are you disappointed with the state of your child’s local playground? Have you considered volunteering with your Park Department?
- Don’t like a new bylaw or local regulation? Have you considered running for Select Board or City Council?
Educating yourself on who’s running for Congress, Senate, or President of the United States is certainly important and necessary for using your voice and vote effectively. However, it is even more critical to pay attention to your local and state politicians and administrators. These are the people who impact your life every day. By acting locally, you are making a difference on the local, state, and federal levels.
The future of our communities depends on our involvement. By participating in local elections and being informed about local issues, we ensure that our voices are heard and that our local governments reflect the needs and desires of the people they serve. Don’t wait until it’s too late – get involved, vote, and make a difference in your community today.
Sources/Further Reading:
- Americans Trust Local Government Most, Congress Least (Gallup, October 13, 2023)
- Political Apathy Spreads from Parents to Adolescent Children (Florida Atlantic University, July 17, 2023)
- Town of Middleborough Record of Annual Town Election Official Results (MiddleboroughMA.gov, April 6, 2024)
- Vote.org: Vote.org exists to eradicate the barriers between voters and the ballot box. Our all-in-one platform helps voters to register, verify their registration, request a mail-in ballot, sign up for election reminders, find their polling location and stay up to date on the laws or policies that affect their ability to vote.