While the glitz of presidential elections and midterm congressional races certainly have their impact on America as a whole, local politicians make the decisions that most directly affect our daily lives. They shape everything from school curricula and public safety policies to zoning laws and library funding. And yet, they’re largely ignored by voters. Why? It’s partly a lack of awareness, but more importantly it’s because local election officials often lack the resources to reach out to residents with the right messaging. Local elections are also often held in off-cycle years that don’t align with the national calendar, which contributes to lower voter turnout and a less energizing pool of elected officials.
But voting in local elections is a crucial part of our democracy. Research shows that a single vote can make a difference when elections are close, especially in small-scale races where margins are often thin. In the long term, higher voter participation in local elections can lead to more inclusive policymaking that better reflects the interests and needs of communities.
Local councillors decide on services such as waste management, libraries, parks and the police. They are your representatives in making the big decisions that affect you and your family, so getting involved is really important. And if you’re not sure where to start, LGIU’s your one-stop shop for 2025 local election coverage and analysis.