Voting is an important civic duty and as San Francisco’s local election draws near, students should not limit their attention to the presidential race. It is critical that voters participate in and engage with their local elections in addition to federal elections.
Voter turnout in local elections is significantly lower than in presidential contests. Low voter turnout is often attributed to the lack of awareness. San Francisco’s election will take place on Nov. 5, the same day as federal elections.
Local officials serve as vital liaisons between the federal government and the community, advocating for resources and support that align with local priorities. These elections empower voters to influence how federal policies manifest in their everyday lives, ensuring that these policies are not merely top-down mandates but rather integrated into the fabric of the community in meaningful and relevant ways.
When voters abstain from local elections, the results of the election become more polarized and are not representative of the whole community. On average, affluent voters have 30% to 50% higher participation rates in local elections. These outcomes negatively affect minorities and lower income voters by keeping in place policies that will only benefit wealthier voters.
School boards, for example, serve as the direct line between policy and students, and are responsible for ensuring the community’s representation in their district. According to the California School Board Association, “The role of the school board is to ensure that school districts are responsive to the values, beliefs and priorities of their communities.” The San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD)’s recent announcement and then reversal of school closures puts pressure on the upcoming school board election.
The seven members of the San Francisco Board of Education, in addition to controlling the school district’s budget and curriculum also approves union contracts and appoints the superintendent of schools.
There are eleven candidates vying for four open seats on the Board of Education and only one incumbent, the current President of the Board, Matt Alexander. The Community College Board, which makes decisions for City College of San Francisco, has nine candidates running for four open seats.
The Foghorn has reported on the five mayoral candidates and fifteen local propositions on the ballot this year, many of which will shape students’ housing and transportation realities.
Local elections shape the implementation of federal policies at the community level. Local authorities make decisions about resource allocation, program priorities and community engagement. Mayors, city council members and school board members will interpret and enact federal policies. Neglecting local elections can lead to long term consequences as policy
outcomes at the local level can have lasting effects on the city and the people within it.
Editor-in-Chief: Jordan Premmer, Chief Copy Editor: Sophia McCrackin, Managing Editor: Jordan DelFiugo, Opinion Editor: Dakota Duran, Scene Editor: Elina Graham
