Part III: On Voting

Why It’s Important to Vote

You, as a voter, have the opportunity to support policies that create new solutions for emerging concerns or preserve programs you like. You also can push back against policies or politicians that don't represent your beliefs, needs, or community. Here are five reasons why voting is crucial to having your voice heard:

All Change Starts Local

From property taxes and potholes to schools and skateboards on sidewalks, most of the issues that affect your daily life are decided at the local level. Now more than ever, young people need elected officials that represent their views on school boards, city and town councils, or county boards. These elected officials can make change happen – or not. For more voting information, visit our Secretary of State’s website at mnvotes.org. 

Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice is Local

Mayors, city councils, and county commissioners are usually the officials ultimately responsible for law enforcement. These elected officials can pass ordinances that determine what activities are illegal. In some locations, city or town elected officials appoint the police chief, who oversees the training, hiring, and discipline of police officers. County attorneys and sheriffs are also local elected officials who are responsible for law enforcement practices and parts of the criminal justice system. You employ politicians with your tax dollars – so make sure these candidates work for you.

Community Development is Local

Local government officials are directly responsible for the changes made in any community, and they make decisions that can impact a city for generations. City and town elected officials decide on many issues, like transportation or business development. They also strongly affect affordable housing development or access to affordable childcare – things that have been described as “crises” in several places in Minnesota.

Numbers Don’t Lie

Every single vote matters in local elections. Candidates have changed entire towns, cities, or counties because they won by 10 or fewer votes. It’s not likely that you’ll see local elections determined by a single vote, but margins are still much closer on the local level than at the national level. For example, in 2016, there was a tie vote for city council in Breezy Point, Minnesota! Don’t be that one person who limits your community because you were too busy to vote. Your voice is needed and valued during local elections. 

Because You Can

It is a luxury to have the right to vote. You can peacefully break up with the most powerful person in your city and choose someone else without having to risk your life. Take advantage of your freedom, and participate for your own advantage. Elections are not about the candidates, they are about us as voters. Build back your political power and get out to vote. If you don’t know how, when or where, start with mnvotes.org.