Amid election year, all our attention goes towards on who will become the next president, one of the most distinguished titles, not only in America but around the globe.

However, our lives are not only affected by those who are in this high position, local government officials like the Mayor or City council have a big part in governing communities as well. Should we only be concerned about the presidential election or should we also give regard to local city elections?

Abraham Akhtar, a government teacher, shares his perspective “Local elections have the most direct impact on people – for example, if the city of Tracy levies a property or sale tax, this would directly impact many or most residents. While presidential elections garner more overall attention than local elections, local elections are the ones that have the most direct impact on people.”

While his opinion suggests that local governments directly affect us more, some students have a different view on this comparison. A poll was sent to our students to give their opinions, one respondent states “Both are equally important as both affect our economy, one is more direct and changes happen instantly in local, but national affects our economy as a whole which also affects local eventually too!” Another response answers, “Local elections only affect one area while national elections affect the entire country.”

Even though most students are unable to vote that does not mean they cannot get involved in politics. The future of the youth is still dependent on who is running our local and national government,

Akthar shares, “It is important for people to be aware of elections, candidates, propositions, and pretty much anything on the ballot as election outcomes can have deep social, economic, and global consequences.”

It is important that we have an awareness of who is running our communities and do research on their background, platforms, and propositions whether they are from the national or local government.