When we think about elections, our minds often gravitate toward presidential campaigns, national debates, and political advertisements that flood the airwaves during major election seasons. These high-profile events dominate the political discourse and capture our attention, making us believe that national politics is where the real action happens. However, the truth is that local elections—those happening at the city, county, or state level—hold far more power than we often give them credit for, and their influence reaches into the heart of national politics in ways we might not fully appreciate.

In this blog post, we will explore the critical role that local elections play in shaping national politics, how voting in these elections is a powerful act of civic engagement, and why we should take these elections more seriously than we often do.

The Foundation of Political Power

At the heart of every political system, local elections serve as the building blocks for national governance. Local elections typically determine the leadership of cities, counties, and states—positions that wield considerable power in shaping the policies, priorities, and direction of national government.

Local leaders, such as mayors, governors, and members of local legislatures, can set the stage for national political shifts. For example, the policies that mayors implement in large urban centers can influence national conversations around issues such as immigration, criminal justice reform, and public health. Governors, particularly in larger states, play an essential role in shaping national debates around education, healthcare, and environmental regulations, as well as in making important appointments to national bodies like the judiciary.

One of the most direct ways that local elections influence national politics is through the electoral process itself. Many local officials, particularly those at the state level, are often tasked with drawing district lines for legislative bodies, which directly affects the makeup of Congress. The power to influence redistricting, known as gerrymandering, is an enormous tool that local politicians wield to shift the political landscape in their favor—affecting how votes are counted in national elections.

Building Political Movements From the Ground Up

Local elections are also the breeding grounds for political movements and ideas that can, over time, influence national politics. The political ideologies and movements that gain traction in local races often work their way up to national levels as candidates who once held local offices move into higher positions, such as state representatives, U.S. senators, or even presidential candidates.

For example, many prominent politicians today got their start in local politics, including figures like former President Barack Obama, who began his career as a state senator in Illinois. His time in local office allowed him to build relationships with voters, understand the intricacies of government, and develop policy ideas that would later shape his presidential platform. Similarly, other prominent politicians such as Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez started their political journeys in local elections before becoming influential voices on the national stage.

Local elections are also crucial in promoting progressive or alternative ideas that might not initially be palatable at the national level. As communities push for change in areas like healthcare, education, or criminal justice reform, the ideas tested at the local level can become the cornerstone of larger political movements. The success of local initiatives can push national candidates to adopt similar policies, leading to systemic change across the country.

The Role of Local Elections in Shaping Policy on the National Stage

The relationship between local elections and national politics is not just about individual politicians moving through the ranks. Local elections are also about the issues that matter to everyday citizens. Many of the policy decisions made in local elections have national implications, especially in areas such as infrastructure, education, housing, healthcare, and climate change. Local governments often serve as laboratories for policies that can later be scaled up to a national level.

Take the example of healthcare policy. Many states have passed their own versions of Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). These state-level decisions influenced the broader national debate on healthcare, showing the potential benefits of expanding access to healthcare for millions of Americans. Similarly, cities like New York and San Francisco have experimented with progressive policies on affordable housing and homelessness, which have garnered national attention and could inspire federal action.

Local elections also play an important role in shaping national priorities related to economic development. For example, local leaders make decisions about infrastructure projects such as roads, public transportation, and utilities that impact the broader economy. By prioritizing investments in certain sectors, local governments can indirectly influence the national economy, especially when their actions align with national trends like the push for green energy or technological innovation.

The power of local elections also extends to social and environmental issues. Local officials often lead the charge on climate change initiatives, passing ordinances that push for renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions, or protect local ecosystems. When successful, these policies can act as a model for national policies, influencing federal action on environmental protection.

Voter Turnout and Its Impact on National Elections

One of the most profound ways that local elections influence national politics is through voter turnout. High levels of participation in local elections can signal strong political engagement and provide a foundation for national participation during presidential years. When voters participate in local elections, they help build a sense of civic responsibility that can translate into greater involvement in national elections.

Moreover, local elections often serve as a bellwether for the national political climate. If voters consistently elect officials who align with progressive or conservative values at the local level, this can provide valuable insights into the political mood of the country. Political analysts often look at local elections as early indicators of broader national trends.

The power of local voting can also be seen in how local races can energize or demoralize voters for national contests. When local candidates succeed in pushing forward popular policies, they create a sense of momentum that can carry into the national political discourse. For instance, the election of progressive candidates at the local level has often led to greater voter turnout in national elections, as citizens feel that their voices and votes matter.

Additionally, local elections can inspire broader political movements. For example, the rise of grassroots organizations like the Tea Party or the progressive surge led by organizations like Justice Democrats began at the local level before expanding into the national political conversation. These movements helped to reshape party platforms and influenced policy debates at the national level.

The Disconnect Between Local and National Voting

While the influence of local elections on national politics is undeniable, there is a growing disconnect between voters' participation in local and national elections. Voter turnout in local elections is often far lower than in presidential years. Many citizens fail to recognize that their local vote is just as important—if not more so—than voting in national elections. As a result, local governments often operate with a small, non-representative segment of the population, leaving local policies skewed toward the interests of a limited few.

The low turnout in local elections is particularly problematic because it perpetuates a cycle where the same small group of individuals continues to wield power, leaving out larger segments of the population. This can skew policy decisions at the local level, ultimately affecting the broader national political landscape.

The Power of Voting: Why Local Elections Matter

It’s easy to become disillusioned with politics, especially when national elections are dominated by powerful media narratives and larger-than-life candidates. However, voting in local elections offers a powerful opportunity for citizens to make a tangible impact. By voting locally, citizens have the power to shape the future of their communities, create a foundation for national change, and directly influence the policies that affect their daily lives.

Moreover, local elections allow citizens to make their voices heard on issues that directly affect them—issues that often get overlooked during national campaigns. From education and housing to public safety and transportation, local elections give citizens the ability to vote on matters that directly affect their well-being.

Local elections offer a space for more intimate, direct engagement with the political process. Unlike national elections, where the outcome is often swayed by big-money donors and media influence, local elections are a space where the average voter can make a significant difference. A single vote in a local election can often have a much larger impact than a vote in a national election, given the smaller pool of voters.

Local Elections as the Bedrock of National Politics

While it is tempting to focus exclusively on national politics, the truth is that local elections are the bedrock on which national politics is built. From shaping policy to developing political movements and driving voter engagement, local elections are a key driver in the political landscape. The next time an election rolls around in your community, take the time to educate yourself about the candidates and the issues at stake. Your vote in local elections is more than just a civic duty; it is a powerful tool for shaping the future of our nation.