Come Nov. 4, citizens of Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties (as well as the city of Philadelphia) will head to the polls to vote in their local elections. While national elections dominate media coverage and public discourse, the most immediate impact on citizens’ daily lives occurs at the local level. City councils, school boards and municipal offices collectively shape the environments in which we live, learn and work. These institutions are directly responsible for decisions regarding public education, transportation, public safety and local environmental regulation.
Despite this, voter participation in Philadelphia’s local elections remains strikingly low. In the 2023 mayoral election, only 31% of registered voters cast a ballot. This limited engagement allows a small and often unrepresentative portion of the general population to dictate policy outcomes, making it difficult for the government to meet the needs and values of the broader community.
Local elections are also the most direct and accessible form of democratic participation. They offer opportunities for citizens to communicate with representatives, attend public meetings and observe governance in action. By engaging in local politics, voters not only shape immediate policy outcomes but also contribute to developing experienced leadership for the future.
Participation in local elections is both a constitutional right and a civic responsibility and affirms one’s commitment to democratic principles. Democracy is not sustained solely through national campaigns and presidential elections; it endures through consistent participation on the local level. When citizens decide to participate, they ensure the specific needs of their community are prioritized.