Be a Resource for Voting Up and Down the Ballot!
Election Newsletter July 15, 2024
Why don’t people vote their entire ballot?
80% of those who only vote for the most visible races think that their vote in state and local races doesn’t matter. But we know that it is exactly the opposite – and, in some ways, a single vote at the state & local level can actually carry more importance!
There are 244 million people eligible to vote in the US and just under 6 million in Washington state. But, there are 100,00 voters in each Legislative District as opposed to millions so your vote holds more weight in a way. And when you get to cities, school boards and water or fire districts? Well, you do the math.
Here are a few other points you can make with friends about why voting up and down the ballot is so important!
- Government has a greater impact at the state & local level than the national level. Most of the “government” we interact with every day is determined at the state or local level – when we drive to the store on our roads, turn on our water, go to the library or the park, when we need help from the police – every one is determined at state and local level.
- Today’s state & local electeds become our state & federal leaders of tomorrow. State and national leaders often move up the ranks from city councils and school boards to state to national government seats. Supporting down ballot candidates that share your values is key to making sure they have the experience they need for higher office.
- A strong showing in primary election can change the election in November Strong results in the primary can reduce the likelihood of the opposition funding a battle in the general election making it easier to elect the candidates we want to see in office.
YOU can make a DIFFERENCE!
Another reason people don’t vote in “down ballot” races is because they don’t think they know enough about the candidates or the issues. Maybe you have felt that way, too – but you know where to find reliable information so here’s where you can make a real difference.
Studies show that people trust the people they know when it comes to making election decisions. By sharing your recommendations and endorsements widely – through email, social media, yard signs at your home, and in conversation, you are doing a service to the community and democracy – so don’t be shy!
Ballots start arriving in our mailboxes THIS WEEK! Let’s do everything we can to support voter turnout!
On the Calendar this week
- Monday – A Project 2025 explainer with Heather Cox Richardson
- Tuesday and Thursday – Two separate LD5 candidate forums
- Also Thursday – A Commissioner of Public Lands forum
- Saturday – Our Indivisible Picnic
