Why It’s More Important Than Ever to Vote in Local Elections
“Local self-government . . . is the life-blood of liberty.” - John Lothrop Motley
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I have a friend who asks the same question before she meets any friend of mine: “Are they a Democrat or a Republican?”
That’s the wrong question for two reasons. First and foremost, it’s reductive to classify people based on their politics as an “either/or.” I know many people whose lives are defined by their generous and giving spirits, whose dedication to others transcends political labels. And isn’t that what we need to know about somebody -what’s in their heart? Are they good and kind and loving? I guarantee you’ll find people on both sides of the political spectrum who embody the best traits of humanity.
The second reason is more nuanced. In a region where so many of our candidates for local government identify as conservative (or Republican), it’s often difficult to figure out which one represents our best interests. After all, if you vote Republican in state and national elections, your inclination is to do the same at the local level. But when there are multiple contenders with an “R” after their names, we must dig deeper. A candidate’s recitation of generic conservative platitudes is meaningless when nearly everyone on the ballot identifies the same way.
What distinguishes each of them?
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The results of the local election will be felt intensely and immediately, and maybe even more keenly than the outcomes of larger elections. New mayors and city council members will define our sense of community and shared culture.
It’s vital we make the right choice.
Improved infrastructure and better economics rank high on every list of campaign promises. Let’s dig deeper to get to a candidate’s true heart. A well-placed Trump lawn sign with Pence’s name struck through or an endorsement of Russia’s unprovoked aggression in Ukraine sends a message that we all need to heed.
Sometimes (but not always) a candidate’s choice of profession reveals valued insight into their true nature. Political and business experience bolster a contender’s chances for election, but a teacher or a police officer who has their finger on the pulse of the community holds the promise of initiating and voting for items that will benefit all citizens, not just a select, privileged few. In fact, current New York City Mayor Eric Adams spent much of his career with the New York City Transit Police and the New York City Police Department before winning the endorsement of several US representatives. And USA Today ran an article in 2018 about a record high number of teachers running for public office to improve things like education funding and teacher pay.
Perhaps most important is the candidate's vision for our community, in the short and long term. While it may seem incongruous in an article about conservative candidates to mention the word “progressive,” it’s never been more appropriate. The Carrollton and the Douglasville of 30 years ago no longer exist. A sampling of Republican voters in the West Georgia reveals diversity in age, gender, race, and religion, a true reflection of the changing demographic trends in our population and a positive for our community. “Traditional” and “conservative” values can (should) never allow us to be mired in the past and resistant to the possibilities of the future.
The “R” after a candidate’s name is no assurance that they represent your beliefs and best interests. Merely running on a platform of “conservative values” is not enough. Regardless of political affiliation, it’s time to vote in a candidate with a heart for the people.
