Local elections are crucial to the well-being of every community. They govern everything from schools and transportation to police and parks. However, many citizens are unaware of the importance and impact of these elections and often fail to participate. This lack of participation has a direct effect on the quality of services received by residents, particularly those living in marginalized communities. This month’s Hot Policy Takeaway focuses on the importance of empowering voters and highlights innovative strategies that can help increase civic engagement in these important elections.
Research suggests that one of the main barriers to local election participation is that they are held at different times from other elections and receive much less media attention. As a result, voters often do not know when their local elections are or how to learn about them. This has serious implications for democracy; because many local races are decided by just a few votes, elected officials can be unrepresentative of their communities’ needs and interests.
To improve voter awareness, local governments should share information on their upcoming elections through multiple channels: social media, emails, newsletters, cable TV, and city websites. Additionally, public meetings and recreation programs are excellent opportunities to engage with voters in-person. It is also crucial that local governments offer early voting opportunities, especially in-person and by mail. This alleviates the concerns of long lines on Election Day and helps those who are unable to vote due to life circumstances.