When we think of voting, what do we think of? Presidential elections? Congressional midterms? Many voters care about politics only on the national level; however, state and local elections are more important than national elections. Many Union residents recently voted in the 2019 primary elections on August 6 with Union City Hall as our local polling place. Despite this, participation in local elections has been on a constant decline. In a study found by “The Hill”: “in 2011, less than 21 percent of cities’ voting-age population cast ballots, compared to an average of 26.6 percent in 2001.”
Another study by “The Current” found that “there was only a 47 percent voter turnout for Rick Scott” in the 2010 Florida governor’s election. The voting rate for state and local elections is on a steady decline, even when these elections impact our lives more than national elections.
The Mississippi government directly impacts the lives of Mississippi residents more than the federal government. Generally, before state laws are passed, they must be voted on by the Mississippi Senate and Mississippi House of Representatives before the governor makes a decision on it. By participating in local elections, we help ensure that our elected officials vote in our favor. By not voting in local elections, this can provide a bias in the state legislature as the representation is not as reflective of the people. Furthermore, on the city level, our elected, municipal government helps provide public services—police departments, fire departments, emergency medical services, municipal courts, streets, sewers and even more. They also pass city ordinances that carry the force of law. We interact with these officials and these laws on an everyday basis, which is how state and local elections directly impact us. The local government decides how our community is run. By voting in local elections, we also have a say in that.
In addition to directly affecting us, state and local elections can also impact politics on the national level. For instance, the women’s suffrage movement was started in local governments. Many states allowed women to vote before the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920. Furthermore, because of the lower voting rate for state and local elections, individual votes matter more, and the people have a greater voice and greater representation. County elections also impact us more than presidential or congressional elections. For instance, all residents of Newton County may need the sheriff, a constable, or any of the supervisors. By voting, we have a say in those officials. Many people believe that voting in presidential elections is the most important or only important election; however, the president is not constitutionally responsible for local communities. State governments take care of infrastructure, public schools and much more.
The Mississippi government passes most of the laws that Mississippi residents must follow. Our state officials are accountable for all of the state’s responsibilities. By voting, we hold them accountable and can facilitate a needed change. Finally, participation in local and state elections leads to participation in presidential elections. Local politics is the easiest way to become politically active. Local and state elections are more important that presidential elections, and more people should participate in them. With that said, we are currently in the 2019 Mississippi governor’s election. In the Republican primary, Tate Reeves failed to win the majority, so he will face Bill Waller Jr. in a runoff election on August 27. The winner will face Democratic nominee Jim Hood in the general election on November 5. Lynn Fitch will also face Andy Taggart for attorney general in the runoff election. Everyone of voting age should strongly consider voting in our state and local elections in order to make their voices heard.
