On Tuesday Nov. 4, many Americans cast their ballots in local and state elections nationwide. Voter turnout was significantly lower than last year’s 64%, the second-highest turnout rate in American history. This aligns with an unfortunate but prevalent trend of low turnout rates in off-year elections. Although they may not all permeate national news coverage, off-year elections are increasingly important to ensure a strong democracy. Local and state governments serve a crucial purpose in dictating Americans’ livelihoods, and it is imperative that their elections are treated with as high a regard as federal elections.
Off-year elections play an integral role in the democratic process, giving residents a consistent forum to make their voices heard. In New Jersey, a contested gubernatorial race to fill Gov. Phil Murphy’s seat provided an important forecast for the 2026 midterm elections.
In California, Proposition 50, a statewide ballot initiative, allowed voters to implement mid-decade redistricting, creating five additional democratic-majority districts. Although it was placed on the ballot rather late in the election cycle, the maps outlined in Prop 50 will determine congressional majorities in the 2026 midterm elections.
On a very local level, the Bexley City Council race was highly contested, as six candidates ran for three open seats, and its results will affect residents most directly. These elections, along with many others across the country, may not have garnered national attention but will surely directly affect the lives of residents.
According to the Center for the Study of Federalism, local governments are essential in providing basic services such as public transportation, education and recreation planning. Local governments are closest to constituents and are therefore most receptive to people’s needs.
State governments also play an important role in making policy. The Ohio Legislature recently passed House Bill 96, which included many policies directly impacting Ohioans’ lives, such as revised tax codes and changes to school funding procedure. State and local governments have an incredibly strong hand on the lives of their constituents, and a high voter turnout is crucial to ensure these elected officials represent them well.
In a time of increased political polarization, local and state governments allow political newcomers and outsiders to get involved.
This year’s Columbus City Council District 7 race pitted Tiara Ross against Jesse Vogel for a vacant seat. According to the Columbus Dispatch, despite widespread support for Ross from incumbent Council members and state party strongholds, Vogel was still able to run a highly competitive campaign.
At the federal level, this type of competition isn’t feasible because of the significant amount of partisan financial support behind preferred candidates. By ensuring local elections remain competitive,
voters play a direct role in shaping a government to best represent
their interests.
It is imperative that all citizens vote in every election, even if they may not understand its importance. State and local governments are an essential part of the democratic process, and ensuring elected officials are representative of constituent interests is critical. It is every voter’s civic duty to do their research, make informed choices and,
most importantly, cast their ballots proudly.
Published and digitized November 2025.
