Whether it’s funding for schools or fixing potholes, the people elected to local offices make critical decisions that impact our daily lives. Yet these elections receive less attention than national ones, with many voters missing out on information about candidates and issues they care about. This is partially due to a lack of accessible information and the increasing prevalence of “news deserts,” where media outlets are unable or unwilling to dedicate resources to local coverage.
And because local policymakers often have fewer constituents than a state or federal legislature, their votes carry more weight. That’s why it is crucial for everyone to get out and vote and encourage others to do the same. In fact, some of the biggest policy changes in history started at the local level and went on to become national movements.
But despite the important issues at stake, many local races are won with very slim margins – and sometimes by a single vote! This means that every vote is essential, particularly for historically marginalized communities.
Fortunately, there are several ways that we can increase voter participation in local elections. Changing the dates of elections, for example, can make it easier for all New Yorkers to participate. Studies have shown that when cities shift to even-year election schedules, they see higher turnout rates. In addition, by aligning with gubernatorial or presidential elections, consolidated even-year elections can reduce the number of special elections, saving time and money that can be used to improve voter engagement efforts.