Today is Election Day! Elections happen every year and many local governments (e.g,cities, towns, counties) hold their elections in November of odd years. These elections, while often overlooked by many voters and media outlets, are just as important, if not more so, than high profile federal and national races. Schools boards, county commissions, city councils, and other local elected offices shape the direction of your communities in ways large and small, including on issues of reproductive freedom, including:

• Development of truly affordable housing 
• Providing paid family and sick leave to municipal employees
• Requiring living wages for local and contract employees
• Providing comprehensive sex education in schools
• COVID-19 pandemic response
• Law enforcement policies and budget
• County health department priorities and budget
• Development of ordinances to support reproductive health clinics
• Accountability for anti-abortion fake clinics
• Bonds and referendums for schools, parks, and housing

And so much more! With local municipalities often being much smaller than state legislative or congressional districts, there is more opportunity to bring your voice to these local policy discussions, and your vote can have a big impact on the election outcome. So go vote!