With the presidential election coming up campaigns are in full swing, and the media has more than ever to say about it. Voters everywhere have been voicing their opinions and complaining endlessly about the highly controversial candidates; dissecting every debate, proposed law, and policy initiative. But how many of these disenchanted voters are exercising their right to vote in local elections?
Studies have shown that since the start of formal elections voter turnout for midterm and local elections is significantly lower than that of presidential elections. Why is that? One thought is that the media coverage and amount of information so readily available on presidential candidates is so high that voters are more easily involved, and therefore opinionated on the candidates. The more opinionated voters are on issues and candidates, the more likely they are to voice their opinion by voting. Local elections simply do not carry this much media coverage and interest among the average voter.
The problem with this unfortunate trend is that local elections have a tremendous impact on our daily lives. Congressional and state government elections elect government officials that draft, vote on, and veto bills that impact the community. Congress affects things such as farmer subsidies, car safety standards, banking guarantees, civil rights laws, consumer safety, and more. Congress can even override a presidential veto with two-thirds support in each house. With all of this power you'd think voters would pay careful attention to the election of these officials, however, studies show that on average about 36 percent of registered voters vote in congressional elections.
For all the complaining and ceaseless concern for the current presidential candidates and controversial laws, there is very little concern for the 535 members of congress. The problem with this lack of voting? Voter turnout demographics. The groups most likely to vote are white, 65+ females. This specific group of citizens is not representative of the U.S. as a whole, and therefore the government officials being elected to Congress are not representative of their constituents.
Imagine how different things would be if every upset, highly opinionated voter became educated and involved in Congressional elections. Instead of complaining about the presidential candidates we need to spend the time to carefully elect the officials with the ability to check the power of the president. Vote in your local and Congressional elections!
