When voting, most people think about the biggest election race– the presidential race.

But sometimes when we walk into the booth, we forget about the smaller positions and names on the ballot. 

When we have elections, people forget about the local elections. This mostly includes the county you reside in. When was the last time you met or heard of your county representatives and what they do and what they stand for?  

Do you even know who is in a certain position right now?

We at The News encourage readers to research and follow local politics just as much as national politics.  

Look at their social media and learn what they stand for and what they are working towards, or even check their track record if they are already in an elected position.  

As a nation, we tend to focus on our national leaders, but we tend to forget about our local leaders.  

Who is establishing local taxes? Who is taking care of your town? Who is taking care of the roads?  

It is important to know who is in charge in your local government. A lot of big politicians end up working their way through the ranks and become our governors and even top leading officials.

That being said, it is an entry level. Some of these people are coming into the world of politics for the first time. This is why it is so important to pay attention to local politics.

A lot of people may just vote for their party, but you may never know what parties mean in a small setting. One person may align themselves with the democratic party, but their views could align completely differently.

It is a different animal at the local setting. Small things may just be enough to change your opinion. That is why it is so important to know who you are voting for.

At the local level, with less voters, your vote has a larger impact. Local elections affect you and your community directly.

Voting matters. Everyone has a voice and should vote as their civil duty. No matter how big or small the election, person or position, these people have influences on your day to day lives.

So when you go into the polls in the upcoming year, make sure you know who and what you are voting for.

The Editorial Board can be reached at 217-581-2812.