In our increasingly federal, politically polarized landscape, the importance of local elections is often overshadowed by national headlines. People tend to pay more attention to the federal level but overlook local ones. Local elections have a direct impact on our day-to-day lives, despite voter turnout often being low. Participating in the local polls is one of the most powerful ways to be civically engaged.
As someone who works in local government and provides services to the community, I have seen firsthand that the presidential elections receive the spotlight. Early voting has begun in the state, particularly for cities holding elections in odd years. However, community members, media and nonprofits are not discussing it enough, except for those running for office or participating in the campaign.
When I asked one East African resident in Hopkins if he ever votes in odd-year local elections, he admitted he never had. He told me he only votes in presidential elections because that is when everyone is talking about it. I attended numerous community discussions prior to last year’s presidential election. This year, I haven’t seen any of the community discussions.
The East African community has a limited history of civic engagement due to various factors, including colonial and authoritarian legacies, as well as migration experiences. Community members focused on survival needs such as jobs, housing, and education for their children when they arrived in their new country. Many people do not learn about the system in their new country due to the language barrier. Lacking access to language, community education, and trusted messengers to explain the ballot and how ranked-choice voting works can lead to confusion and disengagement.
Many people are unaware of the upcoming local election. I spoke to a Somali father who is a resident at Hopkins about whether he is aware of the local election this year. He told me he is not aware of whether the election is happening or not.
Local elections often determine the most important day-to-day issues, from decisions about your children’s education, school policies, to the safety of our children and our lives, to housing and infrastructure, to taxes, and transportation, all of which are made at the local level. These choices shape our neighborhoods and daily experiences far more than most national policies.
In local elections, outcomes are decided by the voters, not by the Electoral College, and some are decided by the narrowest of margins — in some cases by just a handful of votes. This means every ballot carries far more weight compared to national elections. One person, one family, or one block turning out can literally change the results. In 2023, the Hopkins City Council race was decided by one vote. After the results, the winner said, “Every single vote matters. Every single vote counts. And anyone who thinks that it doesn’t — I’m living proof.”
Local elections do not grab the headlines and talking points, but they shape the very fabric of our communities. Every local voice matters. Every vote matters. Let’s not leave the future of our neighborhoods to chance — let’s show up and be counted. Early voting for Minnesota’s local elections began on Sept. 19. Make sure to vote. You can vote early in person, by mail, or wait and vote on Election Day, Nov. 4.
