Vote local, Think Global!

In the 2008 Presidential elections there were unprecedented numbers of young voters. The effort made to participate in this capacity was truly commendable. However, most voters still mistakenly believe that national elections are more important than local ones. National elections are widely funded and publicized so they get more attention, more polarization and hence, more voters think they are more important. While national elections are important, truth is…local elections affect your life disproportionately more than presidential bids. Your senator, congressperson, and local representatives are the closest to you existence and make decisions that affect your life and livelihood. This is why it is especially more important to participate local elections. Most people, especially young people, who made up a major percentage of voters in the 2008 elections, know very little about what is going on or who is in office in their city or town. By getting involved in local politics, you can better present your views to those representing you, you have the ability to hold your elected officials accountable for their promises and actions, and you get to play a major role in the practices of your neighborhood. By voting in your town for officials you can vote for those who support the causes that you support and who in turn put stronger pressure on the national political process. This is because more people like you are becoming better informed and involved in the process. While participating in local elections seem like they won’t change much, they enormously help decide the type of and how much taxes you have to pay, the safety of your area, effectiveness of the public school systems, transparency of politicians, distribution of funds, transportation accessibility, and many more. Suffice to say; engaging with one’s community by voting in local elections is vital. Now, what does this have to do with anything? Well, besides being a useful life lesson, tomorrow, 11/2/10, is Election Day. You will have the opportunity to vote for local and state representatives! Go out and practice the right that thousands of people have fought and died for you to have. Don’t wait another four years to have your voice heard. Get out there and cast your ballot. Happy voting!