Municipal elections matter: voting in small elections makes a big difference

By Taylor Greife, CUSP Editor

Franklin County’s voter turnout for the November 2024 Election, the most recent presidential election, was 72.19 percent; the Municipal Election turnout in April that same year was 13.04 percent. Why is the number of voters so much smaller for an election that is arguably more impactful to the citizens in Franklin County?  

Municipal election outcomes affect the day-to-day lives of its citizens and have a direct impact on their community. Director of Elections in Franklin County, Danyelle Schulte, argues that voting in municipal elections can make a bigger difference than voting in larger elections. “In your local elections, one vote can determine an election.” Schulte said. “And that’s our least percentage of voters.”  

Everything that affects citizens in their local communities can end up on the ballot for a municipal election. Decisions about tax increases, elected officials, and school boards are included on these ballots, and people who choose not to vote are missing their opportunity to have a say in these decisions.  

Many people who do not vote in the April election lack knowledge about what they’re voting for. Franklin County has 60 different ballots for the April 2026 election, all with various questions depending on the municipality people reside in. It’s important for citizens to research what’s going to be on their ballot and learn about how the ballot questions will affect their community.  

The Franklin County Clerk’s office and website provide access to sample ballots for voters to ensure they know what’s going to be on the ballot. There are also plenty of ways to be engaged in local elections like; attending chamber meetings, reading the local newspaper, and reaching out to people in the community.  

Assistant Director of Elections in Franklin County, Loni Pugh, agrees that participating in smaller elections will make a bigger impact, “You have to start small to make a larger impact,” Pugh said, “If you’re not willing to participate in small elections, the federal elections don’t matter as much.” 

 Paying attention to what’s going on in your community is vital to learning about these elections and how they affect each citizen directly. Whether it’s acknowledged or not, voting in small elections matters and it’s important for everyone to be an active citizen. Voting is how citizens can use their voices and make a difference in their communities.  

*Full disclosure, the Director of Elections is related to the reporter.