Although federal elections are not happening this year, it is just as important to get out and vote in these local elections. Your local elected officials can directly influence policies that shape your daily life. Not only that, local elections can set the stage for state and national policy shifts. 

Not every local race this year is as contentious and polarizing as the New York City mayoral race, which can often make it appear as if your vote is unimportant, especially in races that seem to be less close. However, I would argue that high voter turnout at the local level, regardless of the certainty of the race, strengthens democracy and encourages officials to act in the public interest.

There are various upcoming elections that will affect who represents the residents of Dobbs Ferry. Among these are the race for county executive between Ken Jenkins (Democrat) and Christine Sculti (Republican), the election for Dobbs Ferry Board of Trustees, the race for village justice and the Dobbs Ferry mayoral race that features Democratic nominee and Trustee Christy Knell. Whoever is elected in each of these races will play a critical role in representing our community. 

Voter turnout in local elections can be as low as 5-10%, despite the fact that the vast majority of elected officials in the nation hold local office. The reasoning behind this can vary, but a huge obstacle for voters is the lack of information regarding the candidates, regarding voting locations and designated times, and regarding voter registration. Even if you are not old enough to vote at this point, I encourage you to register and vote in elections when you can. 

Still, there are other ways for non-voters to get involved in politics on a local level. For example, I am currently working on the mayoral campaign for my city, White Plains, and a campaign for the Westchester County Legislature. Not only have I learned so much about local politics and government through these experiences, but I have also become much more knowledgeable about the issues in my community and how elected officials are working to combat them.

If you can vote, my advice is to simply show up for these elections and cast your ballot with an educated opinion; if you cannot, I urge you to stay informed about the candidates that could potentially represent you for the next four years. After all, in a democracy, your vote is your voice.