At the onset of COVID-19 in March 2020, I remember how surreal it felt when state and local officials across the country issued orders to “shelter in place.” At that time, we knew so little about the novel coronavirus, but the news coverage of massive deaths in Europe made these government orders seem reasonable, if drastic.   

Businesses closed. Schools shut down. Churches cancelled. Streets emptied. We were told to wear surgical masks and practice social distancing when in public—only venturing out for “essential activities,” of course. Some cities and counties even threatened fines and jail time for those who didn’t comply. As we grappled with overcrowded hospitals and climbing death tolls, decisions made by local governments regulated our lives longer than we’d ever thought possible in America.  

Though tragic in countless ways, the COVID experience shined a light on the importance of local policymakers. In the past month, local governments from New York City to Kerr County, Texas, have attracted national media attention for good reasons. The budgets, protocols, and philosophical mindsets of our local officials have an enormous and direct impact on our lives. Yet, voter turnouts for local elections—when we choose these important officials—fall drastically behind those at the national level.

Those of you receiving this email are among the low percentages of Americans making a concerted effort to be informed and active voters. You should be proud! But keeping up with so many names and offices can feel overwhelming, not to mention representatives’ voting records, personal values, and political ideals. That’s why iVoterGuide research is so valuable!  

Over the next couple of weeks, I want to offer some basics about the functions of different levels of government and simple ways to stay informed. That’s what iVoterGuide is about, after all—coming to the voting booth with as much wisdom and knowledge as possible. 

What are local government functions? 

State, county, and city governments work together to provide the services you need to thrive in your community. Your city council is the form of government closest to home, unless you live in an unincorporated area run by county officials. Additionally, our school boards are so crucial to society that they usually operate as separate entities from city and county governments.  

Looking at the list below, can you see how much local officials impact your quality of life? If we don’t stay somewhat informed and vote for the right people, our local governments and schools can veer from these critical functions. 

Instead of your child learning to read, write, and do math in school, they could (and often do!) spend precious hours and taxpayer money learning hollow, or even harmful, philosophies that have nothing to do with mastering the next level of fundamental skills. Instead of your city council members making sure that roads are functioning and the police department is well staffed, they could be preoccupied with meeting employee diversity quotas and planning a parade to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride.   

Assuming that some of us may be starting at ground zero, here are some super simple ways you can stay informed about local government activities (without attending board meetings or reading minutes!):  

• Start by following your county, city, and school board on social media. If you start getting some of their activities in front of your eyeballs, you’re likely to discover something that interests you, whether it’s public safety, small business development, or arts and culture. Take it one step further by visiting these websites and subscribing to their email communications. One small step tends to lead to another …  
• Identify your representatives, if you don’t know them. Start with your county and city representatives, as well as your school board reps. Look up your district on a map online, or just ask a friend! Once you know names, you can ask friends or acquaintances about them when conversations veer toward complaints or observations about city business. As officials’ names start crossing your path, it will pique your curiosity to learn more. (At iVoterGuide, we’re working on a feature that allows you to find your representatives. That capability is still in the planning stages, so stay tuned!) 
• Follow a local news source or two. These days many of us listen only to news geared to national interests. While you’re signing up for social media and emails about your city, find a local news source to follow as well. Your suburb may also have a small online news source, or check out the “Next Door” social media app where people share info about their communities. Keep an eye out for reports on the courthouse and city hall—and don’t forget the school board.  
• Identify friends who are involved in local government. This is a great way to learn about candidates who share your values and those who don’t. Politically minded friends at the local level may even be able to recommend candidates for more obscure offices (local tax assessor or constable, anyone?). If you’re that person, don’t wait until election season to discuss local issues with friends. Ask questions and share your concerns, always keeping in mind good tenets of civil discourse. If there’s an important issue on the agenda at a city council or school board meeting, that’s an ideal time to invite your like-minded friends to show up and speak up.  

As always, remember that God is in control whenever we feel overwhelmed. As you pray and seek and obey Him, the Lord himself will lead you down this winding road of selecting candidates and staying informed.