1. Local government manages a lot of different things — and their decisions will directly affect your life.

There is no level of government more directly responsible for serving your community than your local elected officials. Local government can affect almost every aspect of your daily life. Here’s just a few of the things they’re responsible for:

• Affordable housing

• Policing and public safety

• Local school quality

• Water quality & management 

• Public services

. . . the list goes on and on, all the way down to your recycling options and collection.

To sum it up, your local government has a lot of influence to decide what your community’s priorities are and how it will be run.

2. Local governments lead the way when the federal government isn’t.

Did you know many landmark federal policies first originated at the local level? It’s true — local politics have a long history of shaping change in our country from the ground up.

By voting in local elections and holding your officials accountable, you can help create the change you want to see in our country. If nothing is moving forward at the federal level, or your federal legislators aren’t making progress in areas that you care about, it’s the responsibility of local governments to take action.

3. Your vote will make a difference.

It is an "off" election year (meaning there are no federal races), but a lot is happening at the county and city levels. Did you know typically just 1 in 5 voters participate in off-year local elections? This means your vote at the local level can have an even bigger impact!

If you do participate (and help your friends, family, & clients get to the polls, too), your elected officials will likely be more responsive to your needs and interests because you’re a voter. And if they aren’t, the next election is a great way to fix that problem.

Are you, your family, friends, and clients registered to vote?  General Election Day is Tuesday, November 5th. Online and mail registrations must be received 8 days before Election Day - October 28th. Register to vote in person during business hours and any time before 8:00 PM on Election Day, or register online.

Contact your county elections department to:

• request a ballot or other voting materials
• file for a local office
• get help after a deadline
• make a change to your voter registration