GET THE VOTE OUT!

The November Ballot has likely already showed up in your mailbox, so it is now the time to make your voice heard and participate in this year’s election. While I’m sure that most of our members are active voters, it is valuable to take a brief moment to emphasize the importance of participating in this process.

Voting is one of the most important rights and responsibilities that we have as citizens of a democratic country. By voting, we can express our opinions, influence our government, and shape our future. However, many people do not vote or take voting seriously. They may think that their vote does not matter, that they do not have enough information, or that they do not have time to vote.

Voting in local elections is often overlooked because many people focus more on national or presidential elections, which tend to get more media attention and publicity. However, voting in local elections is just as important, if not more important, than voting in other elections, because local elections have a direct and immediate impact on our lives and communities.

Some of the reasons why voting in local elections is important are:

• Local elections determine who will represent us in city councils, school boards, county commissions, and other local offices. These officials make decisions on issues such as public safety, education, health care, transportation, housing, environment, and more. They also manage the budget and resources of our local governments. By voting in local elections, we can choose the candidates who share our values and interests, and hold them accountable for their actions.
• Local elections also include ballot measures or propositions that ask us to approve or reject certain policies or laws. These can affect our taxes, rights, services, and quality of life. For example: Tacoma Measure 1 will have significant negative impacts on Tacoma rental housing providers and reduce rental housing supply. It is crucial that we get involved by voting, expressing our opinions, and communicating the impact on these issues.
• Local elections can also influence national politics and policies. Many national movements and reforms start at the local level, such as women’s suffrage, marriage equality, civil rights, and environmental protection. Local officials can also challenge or support the actions of the federal government on issues such as immigration, health care, climate change, and more. By voting in local elections, we can shape the future of our country and the world.
  
  

Therefore, voting in local elections is not only our right and responsibility as citizens, but also our opportunity and privilege as members of a democracy. Every vote matters and every vote counts. Voting in local elections can make a difference and create a positive change in our lives and communities.

So, the next time there is a local election, do not hesitate to go to the polls and cast your vote. It may seem like a small thing, but it can have a big impact in the end.