My early memories can be fickle! And they seem to be more so with my advancing age.
But I vividly recall as a child, going with my parents when they cast their votes on a brisk fall morning. Our township polling location was a long-retired 1 room school house in the middle of rural Illinois. And it was so cold! I held tight to my mom and her scratchy wool coat while she filled out her paper ballot. I knew to be quiet–I knew this was important. It was imprinted on my brain early that I should always vote!
This is your right…this is your responsibility.
But is it really important? Critical local elections typically garner smaller voter turnout than federal or state elections. Voter turnout in Mount Vernon holds true to this theory. The Linn county elections office reports that approximately 30% of registered voters voted in the 2023 local elections and approximately 69% voted in the 2024 general election.
The League of Women Voters US points out that local elections are critical to democracy and local officials and their decisions affect your daily life as much, if not more than state and federal elected officials.
The school board has two primary roles–choosing the superintendent who is the face of our district and setting policies and procedures that align with district goals. The board ensures that these policies and procedures are in the best interest of its students and are in compliance with all state and federal guidelines. Budgets, curriculum and communication are among the many important tasks of school board members. The caliber of our schools directly impacts the quality of our community.
The mayor is the face of the community and shapes the vision of the city. Mayors interact with citizens on a daily basis. They help set policy and collaborate with the city council to ensure community members’ needs are addressed.
The city council has a variety of responsibilities including overseeing policy, proposing tax levies, and addressing safety concerns. The city council makes these decisions and many others that have a direct impact on your daily life.
In local elections a smaller number of voters make decisions about what our city or school board will do in the foreseeable future. How do you make sure your city leaders act in your best interests? Or how do you make sure our children have access to the best teachers and curriculum that prepares them to one day be the leaders of their communities and beyond? Your vote in local elections puts you on the front line of deciding these and many other issues. You have the ability to get to know candidates on a very personal level and learn what they stand for, what their principles are, and how they will likely vote on issues important to you.
When you walk out the door every morning, you will witness the direct results of your vote whether it is your city streets, your public safety, or your children getting on the school bus. Are you ready to help others make decisions that affect your life and the lives of your children every day? Then cast your vote in the November 4th local elections. Voting is your right and your responsibility!
Marti is a 27 year resident of Mount Vernon. She is a retired social worker and active volunteer for Friends of the Lisbon Public Library and League of Women Voters.