Why Vote in Local Elections?

September, 07, 2011 , by Logan Mintz

by Tappan Vickery
Program Coordinator, WakeUP Wake County

I am 30 years old and I love Election Day. My husband and I have made a date of going to the polls together since we graduated from college. It’s an occasion for us to vote not only because we value voting as a right and privilege, but also because we believe in democracy. I feel a little surge of power and responsibility as I cast my ballot and know that I have done my part.

I am an anomaly.

Most young people (18-35) in the United States do not vote, especially in local elections. Having spent years registering voters in this age group, I know there is more appeal in voting for President than, say, mayor. Perhaps municipal elections don’t seem so thrilling?

Quite honestly, I’m frustrated with young voters’ apathy surrounding local elections. Why? Because decisions made by city, county, and Board of Education officials have a greater impact on our daily lives than most national decisions. I’m frustrated with every person in Wake County who has a Board of Education or municipal election in their district or city that doesn’t care to pay attention and vote.

If you don’t think your vote makes a difference in these local elections, think again. Here are a few examples of the power local elected officials hold over our lives:

Public Transit: We’re still waiting on an enhanced transit plan of improved bus and rail to be approved by municipal elected officials throughout Wake County. Durham is moving forward with their referendum this year, and we’re FROZEN due to a municipal approval hold-up.
Green City: If you care what Raleigh looks like and whether it’s promoting hipper, more walkable and more sustainable neighborhoods, then pay attention to how the Raleigh City Council votes on the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). They’ll act AFTER the October 11 election.
Education: Decisions made on student assignment after the election will directly impact the quality of education for EVERY child in Wake County for years to come.
Jobs: Businesses are attracted to Raleigh if they can attract employees. Having a high quality schools system and place to live is crucial – and that means award-winning schools, transit options and a healthy environment.
Clean Drinking Water: Did you know that Raleigh supplies water to towns all over Wake? Will we have enough water supply and will it be clean in the future? Municipal officials will decide!

If you feel like you don’t “know enough” about the issues or candidates to vote, check out the Raleigh City Council/Mayor and school board candidate forums we’re hosting with League of Women Voters on September 8, 13, 14, 15, 21, 26, and 27. Or visit our website to view the forums online before you vote.

I’ll help you find your way to voting local any way I can. Take our “Pledge to Vote” and I’ll personally send you an email to remind you on Election Day. If you’re not sure about your district but are registered to vote at your current address, use the “voter lookup” function in our voter resource website. If you’re going to be out of town but don’t know how to request an absentee ballot or vote early, then send me an email; I’ll help you figure it out.

Get over feeling like local elections don’t matter and pay attention. Your vote could be the vote that makes a difference! If you love downtown living and the R Line and want to see Raleigh grow to support more of this lifestyle — or if you love the awesome disc golf courses, volleyball, and bike trails in Raleigh parks — SHOW UP AND VOTE. If you want to have professional opportunities and an educated workforce — SHOW UP AND VOTE FOR RALIEGH AND BOARD OF EDUCATION! We’re grown-ups now, and we have a responsibility to our community.

Let’s keep making Raleigh better, by voting on October 11.

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Raleigh City Council & Mayoral Candidate Forum
Sponsored by WakeUP Wake County the League of Women Voters of Wake County & the NC Center for Voter Education
Tuesday, September 13, 7:00 pm
Fairmont United Methodist Church, 2501 Clark Ave, Raleigh.
Seating will begin at 6:30

Cary Town Council & Mayoral Candidate Forum
Sponsored by WakeUP Wake County &
The League of Women Voters of Wake County
Monday, September 26 at 7:00 pm
Kirk of Kildaire, 200 High Meadow Drive, Cary

Board of Education Candidate Forums
Sponsored by WakeUP Wake County &
The League of Women Voters of Wake County

District 3: Wednesday, September 14, 2011, 7:00 PM, Church of the Nativity, 8849 Ray Road, Raleigh

District 4: Thursday, September 15, 2011, 7:00 PM, Walnut Creek Wetland Center, 950 Peterson Street, Raleigh. District 4 Forum is co-sponsored by The Southeast Raleigh Assembly.

District 5: Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 7:00 PM, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh, 3313 Wade Avenue, Raleigh

District 6: Thursday, September 8, 2011, 7:00 PM, Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church, 4921 Six Forks Rd., Raleigh

District 8: Tuesday, September 27, 2011, 7:00 PM, Carey C Jones Community Building, 309 Holleman St., Apex