Get ready to vote for the leaders who affect you the most

Utah’s municipal election and the 2nd Congressional District special election will be on Nov. 21

By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb

National and international politics have been so intense lately that it’s easy to forget we have an important election later this month, right here in Utah. The municipal election, along with the 2nd Congressional District special election, is Nov. 21, two days before Thanksgiving. However, mail-in ballots are starting to hit mail boxes this week, so the election is upon us. We take a look at unique aspects of this election and why it is important.

More than 250 municipalities in Utah will be electing leaders this month. Several hundred candidates are running. Why should voters learn about their municipal candidates and participate in this election?  

Pignanelli: “The issues that most impact the average person are made at the local level.” — Erin Brockovich   

The U.S. House of Representatives went 22 days without the leadership of a speaker. Despite all the handwringing by media and politicos, very few Americans were adversely impacted by this controversy. (The House did not have a speaker for 55 days in 1961-1962 and the republic survived.)

However, if a city is dysfunctional for a day residents would feel negative ramifications — whether loss of police protection, refuse collection, health inspections, traffic safety, etc. The quality of our lifestyles is directly linked to municipal or county governments.

All citizens should learn about their local candidates and participate in the elections. This helps them know their council representative who is closer to the resources to solve many problems.

While debates over international relations and the federal debt are interesting, ensuring that the necessities of life are safeguarded is more important. Please remember this when hauling out your garbage.

Webb: The federal government, especially Congress, may be a lost cause. But Utah’s local governments can still solve problems, govern effectively and make a difference in citizen’s lives. That’s why it’s important to elect competent, dedicated mayors and city council members.

Many matters critical to your quality of life are handled at the city level. Rapid population growth is putting enormous pressure on municipalities. Decisions are being made that will impact cities and towns, and their residents, for generations.

Are your local roads full of potholes? Do you have, or need, public transit? Do you have a walkable, attractive city center with shops and restaurants and arts and cultural facilities? Or is yours mostly a community of big box stores with gigantic parking lots. Do young people in your community have opportunities to play sports and engage in other recreational opportunities to develop their talents? Do you have pleasant parks and picnic areas with scenic walking trails? Are you proud to live in your community? 

Your local leaders must have big visions to make your community a great place to live, work and play. That’s why It’s important to vote.

Here’s another reason local governments must perform well: If they don’t, state government or, worse, the big, overbearing federal government, will step in and take over local prerogatives.

The municipal election is usually early in November, but was pushed back this year to provide more campaign time for the 2nd Congressional District special election. Another interesting aspect of the election is that some cities will use ranked choice voting. How will these dynamics affect the election?

Pignanelli: There are just some things that confuse me including, scoreless soccer games, roundabout intersections and ranked choice voting. There may be supposed advantages to this system (i.e. avoiding primaries, greater civility, etc.), but I remain unpersuaded. For example, many local elections have two major contenders and supporters of the remaining minor candidates could have outsized influence of the ultimate outcome under this system.

Partisan voters who normally refrain from city elections but cast a congressional ballot will impact many city races. Shrewd candidates understand this and are conducting “above and below the radar” campaigns targeted at these unique voters.

Webb: With so much happening (or not happening) in Congress, it’s very important to get Utah’s full congressional delegation seated, so this special election is timely. Utah has been short a seat since Chris Stewart resigned.

Meanwhile, voters need to be educated about how ranked choice voting works. It also changes how candidates campaign, seeking second-place support if they are not first choice. It can all be rather confusing.  

Will the 2nd District election help boost voter turnout within the district, or will this be a low-turnout election with only the most committed voters participating?

Pignanelli: Municipal elections usually have lower turnout, although mail-in balloting has helped. Also, the 2017 special congressional election garnered fewer participants than usual. Further, only a quarter of the state will be impacted by this congressional special election. Thus, there may be a slight bump in those affected regions, which could be enough to alter the results of close races.

Webb: With citizens distracted and traveling in advance of Thanksgiving Day, it will be a low-turnout election. Candidates will need to focus hard on getting their supporters to mail in their ballots or to vote on election day, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.