Many of us are experiencing frustration with our political system but now is not the time to give up. We are privileged to live in a country where we have the freedom and power to vote, and this year local elections are happening in April and May in Lincoln and Omaha. Voting is a great way to show you are invested in your community and that democracy is important to you. Local elections often have a much smaller turnout than the larger, more publicized Presidential elections, so in a smaller pool of voters, your vote can have a bigger impact close to home.
“Why should I care about City Council openings?”
Do you drive on the streets or go out to any entertainment venues? Do you use paratransit or public transit? Council people make decisions about things like parking laws, noise ordinances, liquor licenses, land use – many things that affect you at home in your own neighborhood. Civic Nebraska gives a great bullet point rundown of what your City Councilperson is responsible for, and Flatwater Free Press provides information about the individual candidates and current issues in Lincoln and Omaha (and Omaha’s are even broken down by district).
“Yes, but what is the Airport Authority anyway?”
You always have the choice to not mark the ballot for a position you’re unsure of, but why not do a little research? Try this resource. It gives a great overview of how these positions have the potential to affect our everyday lives.
“I don’t know if any of these mayoral candidates reflect my values.”
Well, there’s a good chance that no candidate will 100% align with everyone’s values. We’re all human, we’re going to have differing opinions. But why not read more about them to see who gets closest to that 100%? Who champions something you’re passionate about? Once again, Flatwater Free Press’s resource gives some great background on the Omaha mayoral race.
“I don’t have kids in school. Why should I vote for the school board?”
You may not have kids, but I’m guessing you know kids or know people who have kids. And those young people are our next generation of citizens, policymakers, business owners, neighbors, law enforcement, teachers… You get the picture. Education is important to all aspects of community. It’s a little harder to tell who’s who in a school board race, but at least you can “educate” yourself on the issues at stake. For example, “Lincoln Public Schools is in the midst of a leadership change. Its superintendent abruptly announced he was retiring in December after less than three years on the job. This election will bring further change. Three of the four incumbent board members are not seeking reelection. Those three have more than 50 years of combined experience on the board.” Flatwater’s voter guide examines some of the main issues and breaks out the candidates by district.
Don’t waste your chance to have an impact. People fought and died for these rights and we’re so very fortunate to have them. Treasure them, use them!
Sharon T. Ohmberger is the Community Engagement Director at Disability Rights Nebraska. Her primary focus is relationship-building, but she also works to promote voting rights across the state. She is (usually) an optimist and has been with Disability Rights Nebraska since 1998.
