Local elections are taking place across England on Thursday 1 May, including county, unitary authority, borough, district, city, town and parish councils. These local authorities deliver a range of services, from education and social care to street cleaning and waste collection. Some of the money to pay for these services comes from central government, while some is raised locally through taxes.
While federal and statewide elections tend to get most of the attention, it’s important to remember that voting in local elections is just as crucial to our democracy. Local elected officials make decisions that impact our everyday lives – from zoning laws and school curricula to police policies and library funding. They also determine how much of your hard-earned tax dollars go towards things like public safety and community projects.
Voting in local elections is critical for ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities are heard and that issues like access to clean drinking water are prioritized. Unfortunately, voter turnout in local elections is often very low.
Lauren believes this is due to a lack of accessible information about candidates and their positions. With diminishing local media coverage, citizens struggle to stay informed about the issues they face and the people who represent them in their communities.
Civil society organizations and community groups can play an important role in promoting voter education, participation, and accountability in local elections by providing resources that highlight the importance of local politics. They can also help reframe the narrative around local elections by encouraging people to think about how their votes can have an impact on their daily lives and what kinds of issues matter most to them.