It’s not hard to feel the difference between voting in federal elections vs. local elections. Presidential elections and even midterm Congressional elections definitely have a way of dominating the headlines, the airwaves, yard signs, and American consciousness as a whole. But the national glitz and pop of Washington DC aside, the most direct and immediate impact on your daily life often comes from elections that are much closer to home at the local level. From decisions about your children’s education to policies about public safety, housing, and infrastructure, your local officials hold the power to shape the community where you live. And yet, many Americans frequently miss their local voting opportunities.
The truth is, the importance of voting in local elections isn’t limited to the issues on the ballot — it’s essential for democracy to work fairly and effectively 24/7/365. And for historically marginalized communities especially, casting a local ballot can have powerful, long-term ripple effects.
Local Elections Directly Affect Your Everyday Life
Mayors, school board members, city council members, judges, and county commissioners make decisions that impact everything from zoning laws and policing policies to school curricula and library funding. Unlike federal officials, these leaders are part of the immediate environment you and your neighbors live in. They often make those decisions with little public oversight, largely because of low voter turnout and the ongoing prevalence of news deserts where few if any media outlets are dedicating substantive resources to the coverage of local politics.
When it comes to turnout, local elections often see voter participation rates that are half — or even less—than those in presidential contests. That means a small number of voters end up making big decisions. When you vote on local decisions, your voice carries more weight than it does in national ones, which is one of the biggest reasons why voting in local elections is important.
Small Local Elections = Big Impact for Marginalized Communities
Voting locally is one of the most powerful tools for historically underrepresented and marginalized communities to make their voices heard and drive systemic change. Low turnout among eligible voters of color, low-income individuals, and young people often leads to decisions that don’t reflect their interests or needs. But the opposite is also true: when these communities show up to vote, they can shift the balance of power.
That’s because a single vote carries more power in small-scale elections. For example, in municipal elections, many races are decided by just a few hundred — or even a few dozen—votes. This makes every single ballot crucial.
Building a More Equitable Democracy from the Ground Up
Local elected officials are also often the ones who decide how accessible elections are in the first place. While national battles over voting laws grab headlines, local policymakers and the election officials they oversee often decide how those laws are applied. They determine voting hours, polling locations, and how voter ID laws are implemented. They can ensure fair redistricting, expand access to early voting, and even introduce local laws that address barriers to ballot access.
By turning out in force, historically excluded voters can help elect leaders who prioritize equitable access to the ballot box — laying the groundwork for broader, long-term reform.
Voting in local elections is a direct way to put power into the hands of those who will safeguard democratic processes. Electing officials who understand the barriers marginalized groups face is the first step toward dismantling those barriers.
Over time, consistent local participation can drive greater inclusion in the political process at every level. Local victories often inspire broader change and can push state and federal governments toward greater accountability and equity.
The Turnout Problem in Local Elections—and How to Fix It
Despite their importance, local elections are often held at odd times of the year and, as noted, receive far less media attention. This leads to lower turnout and reduced public engagement. Many voters simply don’t know when local elections will be occurring or how much is at stake.
And this is where America’s nonprofits and their well-established voter engagement powers come in. Research shows that when nonprofits actively support voter education and participation, it can dramatically increase turnout in communities that are often overlooked. For more on this and how your organization can support the thousands of state and local elections happening across the country this year, be sure to RSVP for our upcoming webinar “All 2025 Politics is Local” on May 28 at 2pm ET.
