By Nancy Dodge
Northside Action Team
“I just vote for the president and the senators if they’re running that year. They seem like the most important offices, and I can’t keep track of the candidates running for the other offices.”
Northside Action Team (NAT) canvassers sometimes hear comments like this when we are out talking with voters. We totally understand — national races get the most press, and sorting through the positions of candidates running for state and local races can be difficult.
When it comes down to it, though, which elected officials have the most impact on our daily lives? We are probably more affected by local and state governments, and how they administer the laws, than by national events. For example, local spending on schools, road maintenance and law enforcement has a direct impact on our families and neighborhoods. It makes sense that we’d want to have a say in who is representing us in making these decisions. In fact, local officials are often more sensitive to the wishes of their voters.
NAT canvassers also sometimes hear “the candidate I like will win (or lose) by a large margin, so my vote doesn’t matter.” Not true. Officials are aware of the size of their mandates — whether a large margin or a close vote — and it can make a difference in how they vote or do their jobs.
In Wisconsin, elections are often decided by very small margins — sometimes 1% or less. Just a few people staying home or a few infrequent voters getting out can decide who will be elected and making important decisions for our communities. Every vote counts.
Sometimes it seems we have elections often. Local elections are held in the spring, state and national elections in the fall, and there is often a primary election to narrow down the field of candidates. It can be a challenge to be an informed voter. Before each election local newspapers provide information about candidates and their positions, and the nonpartisan League of Women Voters has a helpful website at lwvdanecounty.org.
NAT canvassers will be out talking with our neighbors this fall, not advocating for candidates, just listening to your concerns. If you have questions about voting, we will be happy to discuss them.
Remember you can register to vote online if you have a current Wisconsin driver’s license or state ID at myvote.wi.gov. Or you can register in person at your local public library with proof of your address (such as a utility bill from the last 90 days, a government-issued document, bank statement, credit union statement or pay stub).
When you go to vote, you must show a photo ID, such as a Wisconsin driver’s license or state ID, passport, military service card, tribal ID card, certificate of naturalization or student ID card with enrollment verification. If you need help obtaining a valid ID, contact the Voter ID Hotline at 608-285-2141.
Upcoming election schedule:
- Feb. 18, 2020, Wisconsin Spring Primary
- April 7, 2020, Spring Election and Presidential Primary
- Aug. 11, 2020, Wisconsin Fall Primary
- Nov. 3, 2020, Presidential Election