Shaping Our Future Beyond Biden vs. Trump

Voting. It’s the cornerstone of our democracy and a means for us to shape the communities in which we live and work. We should be thrilled to express our values, beliefs, and aspirations for our country each year as we cast our vote at the ballot box.

But are we thrilled with our options?

As we approach Super Tuesday on March 5 – where 16 states and one U.S. territory will hold their presidential primaries and caucuses – it’s becoming obvious that America is set for a rematch between Joe Biden and Donald Trump.

However, according to a Feb. 21 Quinnipiac Poll, 58% of registered voters have an unfavorable opinion of Trump while 56% have an unfavorable opinion of Biden.

In a text conversation this week, DeRae suggested that the election in November will be “a sh*t show.” Sadly, I don’t think he’s wrong. Our country is too divided, and data suggests that Americans will cast their ballot in 250 days for a candidate the majority of the country isn’t fond of.

We can do better – and it starts at the local level.

In 2023, state elections made decisions on property taxes, recreational use of marijuana, mandatory retirement age for state judges, welfare benefits, and more. Digging deeper at the school board elections across the country from 2021-22, elections saw issues such as censoring teachers, mental health, school safety, how reading is taught, and federal COVID recovery funding on the ballot.

The problem? Americans don’t like voting.

According to data journalist Mona Chalabi, voter turnout was 66.8 percent in the 2020 presidential election, 50.3 percent in the 2018 midterm elections, less than 15 percent for municipal elections, and 5-10 percent for local school board elections.

Further, Pew Research suggests that the “U.S. voting-age population turnout is still behind many other countries.” Simply put: Low voter participation means there is general disinterest in politics or a prevalent perception that choosing one candidate has minimal impact on the outcome of an election.

Democracy thrives when an electorate is engaged, informed, and refuses to settle for complacency. Right now, our country is failing – particularly at the local level.

So how can we create change?

I don’t have all the answers. But I have ideas.

Whether it’s getting involved in a grassroots movement on a local school bond issue, volunteering to phone bank and canvas a neighborhood for a ballot measure, or attending local city council meetings and public hearings – these actions can lead to substantial real-world impacts. Your voice can be heard by your friends and neighbors. The causes that matter to you can also matter to them.

You have the power to create change – but only if you vote and engage in the political process.

I get it. You’re not a fan of Biden or Trump. You’re preaching to the choir. But the issues and candidates on the ballot matter for you and your family. They shape how schools are funded, how roads are repaired and infrastructure is developed, how first-responders modernize and train, and so much more.

If you’re feeling disengaged this election season – I hear you. But let’s get over that hurdle together.

I’ll leave you with this:

• People are afraid to have a conversation with someone that has a different opinion. If someone shares a different political viewpoint than you, that’s ok. Listen to them. Understand why they believe what they do rather than dismissing them.
• Open discourse and open dialogue are healthy – and it’s something that we need. We can’t just shout and expect change.
• Consume as much information as you can. Read from both sides. Hear people. Listen to people to help inform your decision – the one that is best for you and your family.
• At the end of the day, we’re all on the same team. When we wake up on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, we’re still living in the same country and we still have to work together. Let’s make this a country that we’re proud of moving forward. Our country deserves it.