As voters, it is crucial to understand the importance of local elections – from city council, school trustees, mayors, and school boards – local elections deserve just as much attention and consideration as the presidential race and other federally elected positions. It is our city council members who make decisions about where the money goes and our school boards who allocate more funding to our schools. On average, local elections tend to have a lower turnout when, in fact, some of them may be even more important to our everyday lives.
The Mayor is the elected Executive responsible for overseeing the city council. Depending on each city’s charter, the Mayor may have various responsibilities, including working with the city council and city manager to address issues such as land use and development, housing, job programs or incentives, transportation policies, and investment in parks or libraries.
City Council members have the final vote in creating laws and approving a city budget. They may develop their own initiatives, as well as respond to the mayor’s proposals. No one council member can make a change to city law — any change must be approved by a majority of the council members. a few responsibilities they might fulfill: A few of the responsibilities include making city policy, approving the budget, responding to residents, creating regulations, and reviewing city goals.
The school board is the link between the classroom and the community. They decide how and what students are learning by setting policies, curriculums, and budgets for the school district.
Voting for school board members affects funding for programs like arts, music, and sports, the school calendar, and what time school begins and ends. They hire or fire school administration and set guidelines for employees. Your vote for the school board directly affects the education of students in K-12 schools.
Local elections are about us and our community. Don’t let the May 4 election pass you by. Check for your election day polling location or vote early at the Election Center in Columbus or Weimar City Hall.
Editors note: Colorado County resident Debbie Damon challenges the tri-county area to increase voting by 35 percent of the registered voters. This would still be a significant increase in the number of voters who vote or don’t vote in local elections.
