Stay Engaged Beyond November 5th!

With the November 5, 2024, elections approaching, voters are urged to remember that civic engagement does not end after casting their ballots. Just a few months later, on April 1, 2025, local communities will hold consolidated elections to elect new representatives to village boards, park district boards, school boards, and library boards.

While national and statewide elections often dominate attention, these local elections are essential to shaping public services and the quality of life in our communities. Candidates for these roles are already circulating petitions, signaling the beginning of their campaigns and the importance of continued public participation.

Local boards are the foundation of community governance. They handle responsibilities that affect residents’ day-to-day lives, from managing public parks and libraries to setting policies that impact schools and local services. Serving on these boards allows individuals to directly influence their communities, creating a strong connection between residents and their government. 100% of your local property taxes are used to fund services by the county, schools, local government, and various other governmental entities. None of your property tax is paid to the state or federal government. It is entirely local and entirely in our own hands.

Local elections play a critical role in ensuring that democratic principles are upheld. Candidates who serve on these boards should bring diverse perspectives and ideally are committed to transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. These values are essential for fostering public trust and ensuring that local institutions serve all community members fairly. Our democratic system is not just about the presidency. It is about our neighbors and us, joining together in deciding how we will govern ourselves. When we are concerned about democracy, we should start at the ground floor and make sure we govern ourselves, thoughtfully and with full transparency.

As the April 1, 2025, consolidated elections draw near, residents have a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Village boards, park district boards, school boards, and library boards are central to maintaining vibrant and responsive communities. Staying involved in local politics beyond November ensures that democratic values remain strong and that every voice is heard. Whether through candidacy or voting, every effort counts toward building inclusive, effective, and accountable local institutions. Accountability starts with all of us. That is why we have the right and privilege to vote. Become involved in the process!