Why Your Local Election Matters More Than Your Hotdish Recipe
Let's be real: picking toppings for your tater tot hotdish gets more thought than most local elections. But here's the cold, hard truth—your city counci lmember has more sway over your daily life than the president. Want potholes fixed? Better schools? Safer streets? That's local government, baby. Yet, while Minnesotans crush it in presidential turnout, we're still snoozing on local races. Let's break down why skipping these elections is like ignoring a burning lutefisk in the oven.
Local Elections: Where Your Vote Actually Matters
Presidential turnout in MN: 79.6% (2020) - Best in the nation!
Midterm turnout: 64.3% (2022) - Also tops in the U.S.
But local races? Some Minnesota cities see turnout as low as 15-20% for mayoral elections
School board races? Often under 25% turnout in the Twin Cities suburbs
This isn't just sad—it's dangerous. Low turnout lets special interests hijack decisions on everything from bike lanes to property taxes.
Why Bother? Let Us Count the Ways
Your Money, Your Rules: Local govs decide where your tax dollars go. New ice rinks? Better snowplows? That's on your ballot.
Schools Don't Run Themselves: Minnesota school boards control budgets, curricula, and snow day policies. If you've got kids (or pay taxes), this should matter.
Cops, Courts, and Community: Sheriffs, county attorneys, and judges are elected locally. Their choices impact policing, bail reform, and who gets locked up.
The "I Didn't Know" Excuse is Dead: Yes, local races get less coverage than the State Fair. But the Minnesota Secretary of State website breaks down every race.
Your Vote Packs a Punch: In federal races, your vote is a drop in Lake Superior. In local ones? It's Minnehaha Falls. Example: A 2023 Duluth city council race was decided by just 31 votes.
Fix the System, Not the Blame
Minnesota does a lot right (hello, same-day registration!), but we can do better:
Ditch the "incumbent" label on ballots: It gives sitting judges an unfair advantage.
Expand mail-in voting: It boosted turnout in the 2020 pandemic year.
Sync more local elections with state/federal races: When cities align their elections, turnout jumps.
Don't Be a Spectator—Be a Gladiator
Local elections are where democracy gets real. Want affordable housing? Cleaner lakes? A say in your community? Vote like your favorite brewery depends on it (because local govs influence liquor laws too).
Your action plan:
Bookmark the Minnesota Secretary of State election page.
Text three friends: "Hey, when's our next city council election?" (Spoiler: Look it up together)
Show up and make an informed choice. Take a few minutes to research candidates' positions on local issues that matter to you. Your vote can make a real difference in your community.
Bottom line: If you can survive a Minnesota winter, you can handle voting in every local election. 🗳️❄️
