Every four years, America changes into a political circus. The presidential seat comes up for grabs, and the eyes of the media turn to the election.
Coverage lasts from November of the year prior to election day, and then, coverage turns toward how the president-elect acts every second of every day. Once the president is sworn in, the public finally gets to see what the president does for the next four years, and the cycle continues.
Presidential candidates for 2020 are already being discussed. All this clatter and commotion makes it seem like the presidential elections are the most important elections in the country. However, local and congressional elections are vastly more influential on the daily aspects of people’s lives.
According to a Nov. 2 Gallup poll, only 28 percent of Americans approve of how the country is being run. Some would relate this number to President Donald Trump, but to be honest, the president’s power pales in comparison to the power Congress holds.
The people who run the government, the people who Americans should blame for legislative stagnation and governmental ineptitude, are the members of Congress. Though it does not mean people are not properly placing blame, as the Congressional approval rating, according to an Oct. 20 Gallup poll, is around 13 percent.
However, major news media do not constantly cover congressional elections, or have a countdown clock to the next time a seat is up for election, so it is no wonder people do not consider it as important. A 2014 census report showed congressional elections that year had only 41.9 percent voter turnout.
Local election participation is even more disappointing. A study by the Knight Foundation, which is dedicated to increasing awareness of local government importance, found in 2014 only one in five eligible voters participated in mayoral elections. Additionally, according to New Jersey Advance Media, New Jersey’s Nov. 7 gubernatorial election had a dismal 35.1 percent voter participation.
Local leaders decide all local taxes, business laws, school funding and zoning and local policing. Gun control, college funding, state criminal laws, prison sentencing for state laws and additional healthcare or social programs are all decided at the state level. It is imperative we vote in local and state elections, otherwise our opinions go unheard.
Furthermore, we cannot forget the importance of congressional elections. Congress is where things get done. Senators and Representatives are the people who speak on our behalf, so if fewer than half of eligible voters participate, Congress is representing a minority opinion.
The American frustration with Congress can be easily resolved, but it requires people to actively participate in all elections. Our system was built upon the idea of if a representative was not doing their job, new elections would force congressional change through threat of removal or by actual removal, but because participation is so low, our representatives have little reason to change if they can keep their necessary voter bases satisfied.
Election Day may have come and gone, but it is important to remember we have an ability to change our political system. If you are unhappy with how your town, city, county, state or your country is performing, you have a way to show your disapproval, and through participation, you can be part of the reason it changes.