League of Women Voters of Alabama

Many voters think their vote doesn’t matter.  Some might not want to be uninformed but don’t have the time to study candidates and issues.  Some may fear making the wrong choice.  Some believe the candidates are not going to do the things they campaigned on anyway, so why go to the trouble of voting?

With so much of media today focused on national news, people forget the important role local government plays in their lives – policing policies, school curricula, zoning laws, sidewalk condition, street pavings, emergency preparedness, the list goes on.  The people elected in local elections control how these government responsibilities play out in our lives. 

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Because turnout is typically low in local elections, each vote can have an outsized influence on who wins the election.  Because of this ‘votes’ in local elections clearly matter more than any other election in which voters have the opportunity to cast their vote.

Get Busy and Learn.  Start today learning about what elections and candidates will be on your local ballot.  The list of candidates should be on municipality websites (call your city clerk if you can't find them!)  Local Leagues and other organizations across Alabama will be organizing candidate forums and making voter guides available.  Local media outlets will publish interviews with candidates. Many candidates will have websites or social media pages. Organizations you care about may be sharing candidate endorsements.  Talk to your friends and neighbors who are known to pay attention to elections. 

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Make a Voting Plan. Is election day on your calendar?  Are you sure about your district number(s) and candidates?  Will you vote in person or do you need to vote absentee?  If absentee, do you know the process and cutoff dates?  Do you need to ask for time off work to vote?  Do you know where your polling place is?  Do you need a ride to the polls?  Don’t leave anything to chance.

Share the Importance of Voting with Others. 

Be sure the people in your circle are aware of the approaching election and encourage them to get ready, to vote. There’s a certain amount of satisfaction one receives from exercising our most fundamental right – and obligation – as a citizen.