Officials explain why Municipal Elections are important

CARBONDALE, Ill. (KFVS) - Municipal Elections are the elections that affect you the most, but get the least attention.

Voters in Missouri and Illinois head to the polls on Tuesday, April 6.

Voters on the ballot will see candidates for mayors, county and school leaders, as well as local tax questions.

John Shaw, the director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, explained why local elections are so important.

“These are the people who provide services that shape our day-to-day lives and make our cities and communities run or not run,” said Shaw.

Members that are elected to those boards also make decisions that affect local property tax rates and local spending.

Those pocketbook issues have as much impact locally as presidential and congressional races.

“Because these people will probably affect our daily lives arguably more than a senator or congressman,” said Shaw.

Shaw mentions, before you head to the polls, do some research on the local candidates.

“This is when democracy becomes most tangible and relevant to people’s lives and it’s important for people to educate themselves,” said Shaw.

Just remember this, show up to the polls.

“Even though these are not hugely glamourous jobs all the time, but they are important ones to our daily lives,” said Shaw.

Voting hours on Tuesday in both Illinois and Missouri are from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Stick with KFVS 12 tomorrow for results after the polls close.

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