Why Vote?

As high school students, many of us are reaching the age when voting becomes something to consider. In the United States, you are allowed to vote in any election once you turn 18. Most people think about the presidential election when deciding whether to vote, which happens every four years. This is one of the most important elections in the country, but there are so many local elections that you may not even be aware of that are very important. Local elections are often less talked about, but can have a much greater impact on you and your community.

Your vote can impact who represents you in Congress, on school boards, and in your county and city. These local elections concern issues like bonds, where your taxes go, local laws, and even funding for things you care about. It’s important to vote as much as you can, but when voting locally, you can also see a lot more of a change than when voting nationally. Local elections have a very low turnout. As of 2024, Yakima has the lowest voter turnout in Washington state, meaning our county is underrepresented in the state.

Different types of elections happen at different times. Senators are re-elected every six years, governors every four years, representatives every two years, and mayors every four years. These are considered general elections. There are also elections held for specific issues and laws. Special elections can be held in Washington in April or February. The next election is in August of 2026, and this determines our representative in Congress, a seat on the Washington Supreme Court, and two other representative positions.

It’s hard not to feel like your vote doesn’t matter when thinking about the millions of others, but voting is one of the most important rights we have as Americans. It’s an opportunity to shape the future of our country, community, and families. If you want to make a difference, large or small, educate yourself on local issues and make sure to vote whenever you can.