The Importance of Voting in Local Elections
By: Keiko Klisiewecz
Voting is the right given to most American Citizens, an ability to choose the leaders of your community, your states, and even your country. Many parties in the past fought for the right to have their say, one popular example being women, who didn’t gain the right to vote until 1920. However many people today don’t take advantage of voting and getting their say in important decisions. Today, in an effort to encourage you to vote, I’m going to tell you the benefits of voting and why it is one of the most important things you can do as a citizen.
Direct impacts on daily life: Starting off with arguably one of the most important parts of voting in local elections is the direct impact it can have on one’s life. Firstly an important part for students being local education, school board members set policy, curricula, and budgets for the local school district and many of those students end up here at Radford University. It’s our responsibility to make sure they have the best education possible available to them. Another important aspect is public safety, local leaders control police and fire departments and make decisions about policing and emergency preparedness. This can directly impact students as when there is an emergency on campus it is often local officials that respond to them rather than university officials. One other main issue that impacts students is zoning and housing: Local planning and zoning boards regulate how land is used, which affects the availability and location of affordable housing and businesses in your area. With Radford University’s recent housing crisis more students are being forced into non campus housing and therefore this directly affects them.
Vote Weight: It goes without saying that unfortunately local elections are not nearly as popular as presidential elections but with a smaller population voting comes a greater voter weight. In fact in Radford’s last election the city turned blue(democratic) by a mere three votes. When less people are voting, your vote weighs more and you should make it count.
Represents your interests: Continuing, when voter turnout is low, decisions are often made by a small, unrepresentative portion of the population. Historically marginalized communities- in particular, can shift the balance of power by participating in large numbers. Voting ensures that your specific needs and values are represented by those who lead your community.
Fosters community engagement and change: Voting locally can foster a stronger sense of civic engagement and can lead to broader, long-term change. Many significant policy movements, from environmental initiatives to education reforms, begin at the local level. By participating, you help set the stage for the changes you want to see both in your community and beyond.
Accessible/Accountable Individuals: Would you want an individual that responds to emails, letters, and your concerns as a member of their community? Of course you would. Well in order to get responsive candidates in office you have to vote for responsive members of the community. If you leave it up to others you may get a candidate that isn’t responsive nor accessible to yourself and others. Hold individuals accountable and vote for the candidate you feel best represents your interests.
Allocation of Tax Dollars: If you live in Radford, even temporarily, your taxes are going towards the community. Whether that’s through your rent, your groceries, or your job, that money goes back into the community and officials dictate where/what that money is used for. In order to have a say in how that money is spent you need to vote on candidates you feel will use that money wisely.
Whether you’re worried about your rent increasing, you want to see changes in local emergency procedures, or you simply want your tax dollars spent wisely, local voting is the way to get these things addressed and accomplished. Choosing the right candidate for your community can make a huge difference, Therefore today, get out and vote at your local polling location, it makes all the difference and it directly affects you.
