Local Politics Matter More Than You Think

Politics—it’s a word that can make a lot of people shut down. Maybe it feels too complicated. Maybe it seems like nothing ever changes, no matter who’s in office. Or maybe, for you, politics just means constant fighting between Democrats and Republicans. If any of that sounds familiar, you're not alone.

But here’s something you might not have thought about: while national elections grab all the headlines, local politics actually affect your daily life way more than presidential elections do.

The roads you drive on, the schools your kids attend, the safety of your neighborhood, your rent or property taxes—all of that is determined by state and local government. So why don’t more people get involved? And how can we change that?

What is Political Polarization?

Right now, our country feels more divided than ever. This division is what experts call political polarization—when people’s political views become so extreme that there’s no room for discussion or compromise. Instead of working together, politicians and voters alike get stuck in an “us vs. them” mindset.

A study from Harvard University shows that Americans today are more politically divided than at any other time in modern history. What’s worse, this polarization is making people less likely to vote or trust the system at all.

But here’s the truth: local politics don’t have to be like this. Your governor, mayor, city council, and county commissioners aren’t debating foreign policy or presidential scandals. They’re working on things like fixing roads, enhancing parks, keeping your water clean, and deciding how much funding to put towards different areas in your city or state. These aren’t partisan issues—they’re community issues.

And yet, while over 60% of Americans vote in presidential elections, less than 20% vote in local ones. That means a small number of people are making all the decisions that affect your everyday life.

How Local Government Works (And Why You Should Care)

If you’ve never paid much attention to local government, here’s a simple breakdown of who does what:

• Mayor: Think of the mayor as the "CEO" of your city. They oversee public safety, roads, local businesses, and housing initiatives.

• City Council Members: They help create local laws, approve budgets, and decide how tax dollars are spent in your town.

• County Commissioners: They manage things like the sheriff’s department, public health, and county infrastructure.

• School Board Members: They decide what’s taught in schools, how money is spent, and what safety measures are in place.

• Governor: The governor runs your entire state, overseeing everything from statewide laws to emergency response and the states budget.

  
  

These positions affect your daily life far more than who’s sitting in the White House.

Get Involved

If you’re under 30, I get why politics might seem exhausting. But here’s the thing: young people have the most to gain (or lose) from local policies.

Decisions about minimum wage, job training programs, affordable housing, and public transit all happen at the local level. If we don’t show up, older generations keep making choices that don’t always reflect what younger people actually need.

A Time Magazine study found that cities with high youth involvement tend to have:

✅ Lower crime rates

✅ Stronger local economies

✅ Better public services (like schools and public transit)

In the 2020 U.S. presidential election, approximately 50% of young people aged 18 to 29 cast their ballots, marking a significant increase from the 39% turnout in 2016.

In Michigan's 2022 gubernatorial election, young voters aged 18 to 29 turned out at a rate of 37%, leading the nation in youth voter participation!  This was notably higher than the national average youth turnout of 23%.

When young people engage, the impact is profound. Their involvement ensures that policies reflect the needs and aspirations of all age groups, fostering a more inclusive and representative governance.

Shammas Malik

Consider the inspiring journey of Shammas Malik, who, at a young age, became the mayor of Akron, Ohio. As the city's youngest mayor and a biracial individual, Malik's campaign centered on transparency and inclusiveness, resonating with a diverse electorate. His leadership exemplifies how youthful energy and a commitment to open governance can address pressing issues like police reform and public safety.

When communities disengage from local politics, the repercussions can be severe. A lack of public participation often leads to mismanagement and decisions that don't align with the community's best interests.

For example, the City of Bell, California, serves as a cautionary tale of how low voter turnout and community disengagement can lead to severe municipal mismanagement and corruption.

Bell is a small suburb of Los Angeles with a population of approximately 38,000. In 2005, a special election was held to convert Bell into a charter city, a status that provides greater autonomy over municipal affairs, including setting salaries for city officials. This measure passed with a mere 336 votes in favor and 54 against, in an election where less than 1% of registered voters participated.

The lack of voter engagement and oversight created an environment ripe for exploitation. City officials, including the city manager and council members, awarded themselves exorbitant salaries. The city manager's annual salary, for instance, was reported to be nearly $800,000—significantly higher than that of officials in much larger cities. This financial mismanagement went unchecked for years due to minimal civic participation and oversight.

How You Can Get Involved (Without Feeling Overwhelmed)

You don’t have to be a political expert to make an impact. Here’s where to start:

1️⃣ Find out who represents you. Google your city council members, mayor, and county officials. Their contact info is public, and you can even email them with questions or concerns.

2️⃣ Start with one local issue you care about. Whether it’s safer streets, better schools, or affordable housing—find out what’s being done about it.

3️⃣ Attend a city council or school board meeting. Most people never go to these, so politicians make decisions without real input from the community. Your presence matters.

4️⃣ Vote in local elections. If only 20% of people vote, your vote carries a lot more weight. You don’t have to be an expert—just take five minutes to research who’s running.

5️⃣ Encourage others to get involved. Have a conversation with friends and family about why local politics matter. The more people show up, the more power we have as a community.

I get it—politics can feel frustrating. But ignoring it doesn’t make things better. And waiting for Washington, D.C. to fix our problems isn’t the answer. The real power? It’s right here, in our cities and towns.

Local politics affect your rent, schools, jobs, roads, safety, and taxes. If you want things to improve, you have to be part of the process. And if we all step up, even just a little, we can make sure our communities reflect what we actually want and need.

Your city is waiting for you...

Stay committed and connected,

-Troy Rienstra