When you turn on the news or check social media, you’ll see constant coverage of the presidential election. There are roughly three months until Election Day on Nov. 5, and that’s all many of us can focus on. I get it: the past several weeks have been a roller coaster. However, though national politics takes the majority of the limelight, other races at the state and local level are just as consequential. While being informed about national politics is essential, we mustn’t lose sight of these elections, either.
The decisions made by state and local politicians directly impact us and our day-to-day lives, for better or for worse. We all must vote, especially in the races closer to home that impact us most.
In addition to the candidates running for office, important local referendums are often on the ballot. APIAvote lists just some of the things that can be decided at the local level, like “How many resources will your local schools get?” “Will city and county government repair the potholes on the road to your house?” and “Will public transportation services be expanded?”
For example, in the November 2023 Monroe County elections, Monroe County Community School Corporation’s Early Learning referendum was on the ballot designed to raise property taxes to help fund early childhood education like preschool. According to Indiana Public Media, it passed by just over 100 votes. Every vote really matters and can make a big difference on issues that are close to home.
These referendums, along with elected officials like judges, mayors, and school board members, are crucial to how our communities function. City council members, for example, are responsible for making and updating laws to better reflect the community, speaking with residents to better understand what they want and overseeing the city's budget.
We also need to focus on who represents our community at the state level. According to Rock the Vote, most laws are put into place federally after states have ratified them. An example they use is the Supreme Court’s same-sex marriage decision in 2015, when states such as California legalized it before it was legalized nationally. Voting in every election for our state officials matters, and it can make change happen.
The voter turnout for elections during non-presidential years can be incredibly low. In 2023, Indiana’s Municipal Election saw only 21% of registered voters turn out. Since this is a presidential election year, there will most likely be better turnout for down-ballot races and referendums, as well. But we need to vote with the same enthusiasm every year to be sure what matters to us is represented.
We elect these people to work for us, not for any higher interest. So much of politics involves elected officials pandering to wealthy donors and other positions of authority, but it doesn’t have to be that way. More and more people from diverse backgrounds are standing up to run for office. Do your research, find ways to support your candidate and be sure to vote each year.
Be sure to stay informed on the issues that will impact you and the people you care about. Luckily, there are websites such as Ballotpedia that can help you make the best choice for you, our community, and our state. It is critically important we are all engaged in and vote for what we believe in at the national level. We need to be sure to participate in the often-overlooked city and state races that determine the direction of our state and our local communities.
Jack Davis (he/him) is a sophomore studying journalism.
