As we get into fall, many might get excited when thinking about the upcoming football season, their personal family pumpkin-carving contests, apple-bobbing competitions or even their parents’ competition over various Thanksgiving plans. But none of these match my favorite competition to watch: local elections.
Many people do not think of their local elections as important to their everyday lives, but in fact, many of the things that make our lives work are managed by local government. Things like trash and recycling services, the clearing and cleaning of our streets and where our houses and businesses go are all determined by our local city governments.
However, local election turnout is incredibly low. In 2021, the last local-only election, only 26% of registered voters in Latah County showed up to vote. In the 8th legislative precinct, which includes the LLCs and Theophilus Tower, only 46 ballots were cast.
And yet, you know who decides on new businesses in town or who fixes roads and sidewalks? It’s the city. If you care about water conservation and how much water we use, the city is the one who decides on irrigation policy. If you want to make sure that land use within Moscow is responsible and equitable, the city council is who decides how land is used in the city. And if you care about police funding and how present policing is in Moscow, the city council is the one that decides their budget.
Especially with increased voting requirements by the Idaho Legislature, it is very important that students become aware of elections long before they happen. The next local election is on Nov. 7. Find more information on the election, as well as information on how to register to vote online, at the Latah County elections site.
Abigail Spencer can be reached at [email protected] or on X @ABairdSpencer