Why local elections matter most
In Oklahoma and nationally, we had a big election but it was more than just who we wanted as the next U.S. President. I know the focus online and on the news was on the Presidential election, but your vote on local issues directly impacts your life and your kids’ lives.
In my opinion, your life is MOST directly impacted by your local election issues.
Story time: When I was in law school, a dean introduced us to an important concept on worrying. I’m sure there are concepts that back this up, but the gist was that most of the situations and events in our life are out of our control. She went on to explain that we are wasting our brain energy worrying about things that are our of our control or influence. And I took that to heart and think about that almost daily.
So how does that relate to you voting? THIS is your opportunity to influence and control things that are happening right around you – maybe even literally in your backyard. Those names on your ballot represent people making decisions for YOU. Would you let your neighbor decide for you where you were going to get dinner or when your trash will be picked up? Probably not. But the reality is that people are on your ballot who do just that – they may decide on where your grocery stores will be zoned to be built, when or where your neighborhood has sidewalks, or even how often your big trash is picked up.
I don’t expect you to know everybody on your ballot. So if I were to give you some ideas about how to figure out who they are, this is what I do:
- This should be step 0 but check that you are already registered to vote.
- Update your name, address, political party affiliation, etc. with your local election board.
- Go online to see your sample ballot.
- Do some research using ballot information websites to learn about what is on your ballot and who is running to make decisions for you. There may even be some other ballot measures like state questions or bond elections, which may directly impact your pocket book and also community resources that directly touches your life.
- Google those names or ask those you trust about the candidates and ballot measures.
- If you want to be really bold (like me!), you can contact the candidate directly and ask the questions you want to ask. (I always focus on public education issues.) I like to meet for coffee or show up at candidate forum events to hear for myself where their values lie.
It’s surprising how available candidates are, but they literally want you to pick them!
How to Register to Vote:
If you are not already registered to vote, here’s how you do it so you’ll be ready for the next election. Visit the Oklahoma voter portal.
