The media, even alternative sources that our generation often prefers, have been and continue to be mired in obsession with the race for president, and they should be- the vitality of America’s decision as to who will lead the free world warrants constant attention. However, there are other contests taking place, branching in two different directions in terms of their hierarchical relation to the presidency, that people need to care about. They are Senate races, local races and the race for Secretary General of the United Nations.

The president’s capabilities are highly contingent upon the red/blue color of the congress. The most recent voter turnout for national congressional races were absurdly low, and the result surely has not been a more popular congress or a better functioning government. Naturally, the votes cast in these elections will be more plentiful because it is a presidential election year (and hopefully the turnout is good in 2016), but there still needs to be discussion about these races as they are paramount in the functioning of the federal government.

Local races literally hit home. Local positions create an underlying structure of governance and the results create the pool of potential future leaders. There are real, qualified ideological and leadership contests taking place. These leaders are far more likely to be responsive on an individual level than positions that are higher up, and over time participation in these contests filter up to having our interests put forth on more advanced stages. These people are also making immediate decisions about our communities and need to be held accountable. Don’t let lazy incumbents get away that easily!

Theoretically, the position of Secretary General of the United Nations is the highest government position on earth. Ban Ki-Moon, the current SG, is stepping down. There is a contest taking place to decide the next Secretary General, and the candidates pool are comprised of some of the most qualified people on earth. The first ever televised SG debate took place in light of this. The United Nations institutionally is the worlds largest platform for international diplomacy and collaboration.

I urge everyone to take time out of their schedules to research these fields of contention in government and make their voices heard. You would be surprised how much your voice can matter, let alone a rising symphony of voices in both conflict and unison generating a very fruitful dialogue of ideological positing and refinement. Read the local papers and have a look at the Secretary General debate, because these outcomes will effect us and our offspring for long expanses of time to come.