We all know that this is a presidential election year. However, it’s important to vote for every office and issue on the ballot, not just the president. In voting rights spaces, we refer to the practice of completing your entire ballot as “down-ballot” voting. 

Down-ballot voting especially impacts local elections. Local elections, in turn, impact our daily lives. For example, local governments play a significant role in everything from roads to schools to transportation to policing. Why give up the power to influence these important issues? 

In order to show up prepared to vote for every office and issue on your ballot, do your research before you arrive at the polls! Here are a few resources you can use to educate yourself on local candidates and issues:

1. Review a sample ballot at Ballotpedia: https://ballotpedia.org/Main_Page
2. Check your local news for information about candidates 
3. Use the ballot guide mailed to you by local and state voting officials

Let’s use our voting power to its fullest extent! Defending democracy is 365/24/7.