For many college students, election season brings a sense of dread and voter apathy. The constant stream of sensational, often misleading campaign ads, combined with lectures from poll volunteers and older generations claiming that this is the most important election of a lifetime, can make the whole process feel overwhelming. This leads many young voters to skip the ballot box altogether.
Young adults ages 18-29 are seen as less likely to vote in elections, in general, and local elections, in particular, are known for a significantly lower turnout and little participation.
Despite all this, your vote still matters. Voting in this year’s election is crucial, even if you find the national political drama exhausting. While federal elections, like the presidential and congressional races, tend to dominate the conversation, there’s more to the electoral process than just these widely known contests.
Often overlooked are the local elections further down the ballot—races that may not grab headlines but have the potential to significantly impact your community. State and local elections frequently take place alongside federal and midterm contests, involving positions like state legislature, city council, county commission and key municipal roles, including sheriff and mayor.
These offices may seem mundane. After all, who cares about the drain commissioner of a small town? But these local officials hold considerable influence over the daily operations of your community, often more so than federal representatives. For instance, a drainage commissioner can issue permits, impose taxes and manage the water systems you depend upon daily.
Mayors and city council members advance plans for public spaces, as well as zoning laws, housing, business regulations and other decisions that involve public safety. These choices can hold powerful sway in how the community looks and functions, as a whole.
Understanding who will be making these decisions in your community is also important. These elected officials influence everything from local environmental policies to transportation management, and the overall direction of your school district. Their decisions can have a greater direct impact on your life than any presidential policy does.
Their approach to the local budget can reveal the quality of services in your community, which include the roads, the parks, healthcare services and public library.
Young voters often express frustration over feeling underrepresented in federal elections, where individual votes can seem insignificant. However, in local races, every vote carries more weight, making it easier to influence electoral outcomes. A single vote for a mayoral candidate or city council member can be far more impactful than one cast in a federal election.
So why let older generations decide how your hometown is run? Your involvement in local elections is a chance to transform the political process and make meaningful changes in an area that you call home. This is, after all, the most impactful opportunity for direct change that has been afforded to you. Why not exercise that power and make a difference for your local community?
Voting in Michigan takes place on Nov. 5. Residents can register in person at their local clerk’s office until the polls close at 8 p.m. For more information, visit michigan.gov/vote.