In recent days, I, along with most of my friend group, have been embroiled in the painful post-election grief process. For many others, this may be a post-election period of euphoria. Regardless of one’s opinion regarding the outcome of November 5, this emotional time leads many to a point of resignation. Right now, my feed is full of great pessimism, great optimism, and concerns about the state of democracy.
Many hold to the extremely grave mindset that their vote does not matter. To those who believe that they have no real voice in politics, and no ability to sway policy, I sympathize with you. Nearly every candidate I voted for lost, and by rather hopeless margins. However, if you feel that you must abandon electoral politics for the foreseeable future, an ill-advised but understandable desire, prolong it until after December 7.
Post November elections consistently remain obscure in the minds of voters. Most people are not obsessed with politics, and only follow the regular four-year clock of the presidency. Mindful voters dutifully remember to vote in their midterm elections as well. However, anything outside of that rigid November date elicits very little attention. CNN does not pay for a giant TV to display the results of Amendment Number such-and-such to the state constitution. Even less attention is given to local races and ballot measures.
Nonetheless, it remains critical to be vigilant of what is on the ballot. Local tax measures are frequently pushed to later dates, along with runoffs of elections in November. In these elections, decisions are made in the differences of hundreds, and at times tens, of people in the community, impacting thousands. The judges that will preside over any legal proceeding you may participate in, the things that your money goes to, the people who you choose to fight the small but important fights, like replacing the long-faded lights on a busy street or getting funds allocated for road improvements.
So, I implore anyone reading this: please do the research, read the Facebook pages of your future representatives, learn about the amendments and ordinances on your ballot. If you wish to defend democracy, the best way is to ensure that your voice is always heard. That at every opportunity to express your voice, you do it. Authoritarianism relies on the disengaged to persist. Be engaged.
Gordon Crawford is an 18-year-old political science freshman from Gonzales, La.