13.3 State and Local Elections and Political Parties
9 min read•august 14, 2024
State and local elections are crucial yet often overlooked components of American democracy. These races shape policies that directly impact our daily lives, from education to public safety. Despite their importance, is typically lower than in federal elections.
Political parties play a significant role in state and local politics, recruiting candidates and providing resources. However, one-party dominance in some areas can lead to a lack of competition. Campaign finance regulations, ballot measures, and efforts to increase voter participation all influence the landscape of state and local elections.
State and Local Elections
Timing and Offices
Top images from around the web for Timing and Offices
United States Senate elections, 2020 - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Candidates Step Up for Local Elections - Redoubt News View original
Is this image relevant?
2020 United States elections - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
United States Senate elections, 2020 - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Candidates Step Up for Local Elections - Redoubt News View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Timing and Offices
United States Senate elections, 2020 - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Candidates Step Up for Local Elections - Redoubt News View original
Is this image relevant?
2020 United States elections - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
United States Senate elections, 2020 - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Candidates Step Up for Local Elections - Redoubt News View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
State and local elections are held at various times throughout the year, depending on the jurisdiction and the offices being contested
These elections may include races for , state legislature, , city council, school board, and various other local offices
The specific timing of these elections can vary widely, with some states holding elections in odd-numbered years and others in even-numbered years
Some jurisdictions may also hold special elections to fill vacancies or decide on ballot measures outside of the regular election cycle
Rules and Procedures
The specific rules and procedures for state and local elections are determined by each individual state, resulting in significant variation across the country
This includes differences in voter registration requirements (voter ID laws, registration deadlines)
Early voting and absentee voting options also vary by state (in-person early voting, no-excuse absentee voting)
States may use different voting methods (paper ballots, electronic voting machines, vote-by-mail)
State and local elections often employ different voting systems compared to federal elections
Some jurisdictions use plurality voting, where the candidate with the most votes wins
Others use runoff elections or to ensure the winner receives a majority of the votes
Redistricting and Gerrymandering
Redistricting, the process of redrawing electoral district boundaries, plays a significant role in state and local elections
In many states, the state legislature is responsible for redistricting
This can lead to , the manipulation of district boundaries to favor a particular party or candidate
Gerrymandering can result in districts with unusual shapes that group together voters based on their political affiliations
This can create "safe seats" for a particular party, reducing the competitiveness of elections
Examples of gerrymandered districts include Maryland's 3rd Congressional District and Texas's 35th Congressional District
Ballot Measures
Ballot measures, such as initiatives, referendums, and recalls, allow citizens to directly participate in the legislative process at the state and local levels
Initiatives enable voters to propose new laws or constitutional amendments (California's Proposition 13 in 1978)
Referendums allow voters to approve or reject laws passed by the legislature (Maine's 2016 referendum on ranked-choice voting)
Recalls give voters the power to remove elected officials from office before their term expires (California's 2003 recall of Governor Gray Davis)
The specific rules and requirements for ballot measures vary by state, including signature thresholds and filing deadlines
Some states have more accessible ballot measure processes, while others have more restrictive rules
Political Parties in State and Local Politics
Candidate Support and Resources
Political parties play a crucial role in recruiting, nominating, and supporting candidates for state and local offices
They often provide resources, such as funding, volunteers, and campaign infrastructure, to help their candidates win elections
Parties may also provide training and guidance to candidates on campaign strategies, messaging, and voter outreach
This support can be particularly valuable for first-time or lesser-known candidates who may lack experience or name recognition
One-Party Dominance and Lack of Competition
In many states and localities, one political party may dominate the political landscape, leading to a lack of competitive elections and reduced accountability for elected officials
This can result in a one-party system, where the dominant party's primary election effectively determines the winner of the general election
Examples of one-party dominance include the Democratic Party in California and the Republican Party in Wyoming
In these cases, the minority party may struggle to field competitive candidates or gain traction with voters
Political Machines and Patronage
Political machines, which are highly organized and disciplined party organizations, have historically wielded significant power in some cities and states
These machines often use patronage, the distribution of government jobs and contracts to loyal party supporters, to maintain their influence and control over local politics
Examples of political machines include Tammany Hall in New York City and the Daley Machine in Chicago
These machines often controlled local government for decades, using their power to reward supporters and punish opponents
Partisan Elections for Nonpartisan Offices
In some states and localities, partisan elections are held for offices that are typically considered nonpartisan, such as judicial positions or school board seats
This can lead to increased politicization of these offices and a focus on party affiliation rather than qualifications or experience
Examples of partisan elections for nonpartisan offices include judicial elections in Texas and school board elections in Florida
Critics argue that this politicization can undermine the independence and impartiality of these offices
Barriers to Entry for Minor Parties and Independents
Minor parties and independent candidates often face significant barriers to entry in state and local elections
These barriers can include high signature requirements for ballot access or limited access to campaign resources
For example, some states require minor party or independent candidates to collect a certain percentage of registered voters' signatures to appear on the ballot
This can be a daunting task, especially for candidates with limited resources or name recognition
The lack of media attention and exclusion from debates can also hinder minor party and independent candidates' ability to reach voters and compete with major party candidates
Campaign Finance Regulations' Impact
Variation in Contribution and Expenditure Limits
Campaign finance regulations at the state and local levels vary widely, with some jurisdictions imposing strict limits on contributions and expenditures, while others have more relaxed rules
These differences can impact the competitiveness and fairness of elections
For example, some states have low contribution limits for individuals and political action committees (PACs), while others allow unlimited contributions
This can affect the ability of candidates to raise funds and compete effectively
Disclosure Requirements and Transparency
Disclosure requirements for campaign contributions and expenditures are designed to increase transparency and accountability in state and local elections
However, the effectiveness of these requirements depends on the specific provisions and enforcement mechanisms in each jurisdiction
Some states have robust disclosure laws that require detailed reporting of contributions and expenditures, while others have more limited requirements
The accessibility and usability of disclosure data can also vary, affecting the public's ability to monitor campaign finance activities
Public Financing Systems
Some states and localities have implemented public financing systems for campaigns, which provide public funds to candidates who agree to abide by certain spending limits and other restrictions
These systems aim to reduce the influence of private money in elections and level the playing field for candidates
Examples of public financing systems include the Clean Elections programs in Arizona and Maine, which provide full public funding to qualifying candidates
These programs have been shown to increase the diversity of candidates and reduce the influence of special interests
Independent Expenditures and Citizens United
In some cases, campaign finance regulations may be circumvented through the use of independent expenditures, where groups not directly affiliated with a candidate's campaign spend money to support or oppose candidates
The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United v. FEC (2010) has led to an increase in independent expenditures in state and local elections
The Citizens United decision struck down certain restrictions on political spending by corporations and unions, leading to the rise of super PACs and other outside spending groups
This has raised concerns about the influence of wealthy interests on state and local elections
Ongoing Debate over Money in Politics
The role of money in state and local elections has been a subject of ongoing debate, with some arguing that campaign finance regulations are necessary to prevent corruption and ensure fair elections, while others contend that such regulations infringe upon free speech rights
Proponents of campaign finance reform argue that the current system allows wealthy individuals and special interests to have a disproportionate influence on elections and policy outcomes
They advocate for measures such as contribution limits, disclosure requirements, and public financing to level the playing field
Opponents of campaign finance regulations argue that such rules violate the First Amendment right to free speech and association
They contend that individuals and groups should be free to spend money to express their political views and support their preferred candidates
Voter Turnout and Participation
Low Turnout in State and Local Elections
Voter turnout in state and local elections is often lower than in federal elections, with some jurisdictions experiencing turnout rates below 20% in off-year or special elections
This low turnout can lead to a less representative electorate and reduced accountability for elected officials
For example, in the 2021 New York City mayoral primary, only about 20% of registered Democrats voted, despite the high stakes of the race
Low turnout can result in a small, unrepresentative group of voters making decisions that affect the entire community
Factors Influencing Voter Turnout
Factors that influence voter turnout in state and local elections include the perceived importance of the offices being contested, the competitiveness of the races, the ease of voting (such as the availability of early or absentee voting), and the level of voter engagement and mobilization efforts by campaigns and advocacy groups
Voters may be less likely to participate in state and local elections if they feel that the offices being contested are less important or that their vote will not make a difference
Competitive races and high-profile ballot measures can increase voter interest and turnout
The availability and accessibility of voting options, such as early voting, absentee voting, and vote-by-mail, can also impact turnout
States with more convenient voting options tend to have higher turnout rates
Consequences of Low Voter Turnout
Low voter turnout in state and local elections can have significant consequences, as these offices often have a direct impact on citizens' daily lives
State and local officials make decisions on issues such as education, public safety, transportation, and land use, which can affect communities for years to come
When turnout is low, the preferences of a small, unrepresentative group of voters may drive policy decisions that do not reflect the broader community's needs and values
This can lead to a disconnect between government actions and public opinion
Efforts to Increase Voter Participation
Efforts to increase voter participation in state and local elections include voter registration drives, get-out-the-vote campaigns, and civic education initiatives aimed at increasing political knowledge and engagement, particularly among underrepresented groups such as young people and minorities
Voter registration drives aim to increase the number of eligible voters who are registered to vote
These efforts often target communities with historically low registration rates (college campuses, low-income neighborhoods)
Get-out-the-vote campaigns focus on encouraging registered voters to cast their ballots
These campaigns may involve door-to-door canvassing, phone banking, and targeted advertising to remind voters of the importance of participating
Reforms to Boost Voter Turnout
Some states and localities have implemented reforms aimed at increasing voter turnout, such as automatic voter registration, same-day registration, or extending voting hours and locations
The effectiveness of these measures in boosting participation varies depending on the specific context and implementation
Automatic voter registration systems, such as those in Oregon and California, automatically register eligible voters when they interact with government agencies (DMV, social services)
These systems have been shown to increase registration rates and turnout
Same-day registration allows eligible voters to register and vote on the same day, often at their polling place
States with same-day registration, such as Minnesota and Wisconsin, tend to have higher turnout rates than states without this option
Key Terms to Review (18)
Absentee ballot: An absentee ballot is a voting method that allows a registered voter to mail or submit their vote remotely when they are unable to physically attend their polling place on Election Day. This process ensures that those who are away from their registered voting location, due to reasons like being out of town, illness, or military service, can still participate in elections. Absentee ballots play a crucial role in increasing voter turnout and ensuring broader participation in state and local elections.
Candidate recruitment: Candidate recruitment refers to the process of identifying, attracting, and selecting individuals to run for political office. This process is crucial for the functioning of political parties at both state and local levels, as it helps to ensure that there are qualified and representative candidates to compete in elections. Effective candidate recruitment can influence party strength, voter engagement, and overall electoral outcomes.
Demographic Shifts: Demographic shifts refer to changes in the composition of a population over time, including variations in age, race, ethnicity, and other social factors. These shifts can significantly influence voting behavior, political representation, and party dynamics, particularly at state and local levels where elections are often directly impacted by the demographic makeup of the electorate.
First-past-the-post: First-past-the-post is an electoral system where the candidate who receives the most votes in a constituency wins, without needing to secure an absolute majority. This system is commonly used in various elections, often leading to a quick and straightforward outcome but also resulting in potential disparities between the percentage of votes received and the number of seats won by a party. The mechanics of this system can greatly influence campaign strategies, voter behavior, and the overall political landscape.
General Elections: General elections are the events in which voters choose their representatives for various levels of government, typically held at regular intervals. They are crucial for the functioning of democracy, as they provide citizens the opportunity to select leaders and influence policy direction through their votes. These elections often involve multiple offices being contested, including federal, state, and local positions, and play a significant role in shaping political parties and their platforms.
Gerrymandering: Gerrymandering is the practice of manipulating electoral district boundaries to favor a particular political party or group, often resulting in oddly shaped districts that do not reflect natural geographic boundaries. This technique is used to maximize the electoral advantage of a party by concentrating or dispersing specific voter demographics within different districts, thus influencing election outcomes and representation in government.
Governor: A governor is the elected executive head of a state in the United States, responsible for overseeing the administration of state laws and managing the state's executive branch. Governors play a crucial role in shaping state policy, proposing budgets, and implementing legislation, making them key figures in both state governance and local political landscapes.
Grassroots campaigning: Grassroots campaigning is a strategy in political organizing that mobilizes everyday citizens to advocate for a candidate or cause at the local level. This approach emphasizes community involvement, personal connections, and direct engagement with voters, often leveraging volunteers and small donations to create a powerful, bottom-up movement. Grassroots efforts are essential for building strong support networks and fostering a sense of ownership among constituents, ultimately influencing elections and policy decisions.
Local ballot initiatives: Local ballot initiatives are proposals put forth by citizens to be voted on during an election, allowing voters to directly influence local laws or policies. These initiatives can cover a wide range of issues, including tax measures, public spending, and social reforms, reflecting the preferences and needs of the local community. They serve as a tool for grassroots democracy, enabling residents to bypass traditional legislative processes when they feel their voices are not adequately represented.
Mayor: A mayor is an elected official who serves as the head of a city or town government, responsible for overseeing the administration of local services, implementing policies, and representing the community. The role of a mayor can vary significantly depending on the specific governance structure of the municipality, which can include strong or weak mayor systems, influencing their powers and responsibilities.
National Voter Registration Act: The National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) is a federal law enacted in 1993 aimed at increasing voter registration, especially among underrepresented groups. It requires states to offer voter registration opportunities at the same time as applying for or renewing a driver's license or certain social services, thereby simplifying the process and encouraging higher participation in elections.
Party identification: Party identification is an individual's psychological attachment to a political party, often shaped by personal beliefs, family influence, and socialization. This connection plays a crucial role in shaping voting behavior, influencing how people perceive political issues, candidates, and the electoral process itself. Party identification serves as a shortcut for voters, guiding their choices in elections and determining their alignment with political parties over time.
Party platform: A party platform is a formal set of principal goals and policies that a political party seeks to achieve and promote to its constituents. It serves as a guide for the party's candidates, outlining their stance on various issues, which helps voters understand the party’s priorities and ideologies. The platform can evolve over time, reflecting changing public opinions and the political landscape.
Primary elections: Primary elections are a critical part of the electoral process in which political parties select their candidates for the general election. These elections can take various forms, including open, closed, and semi-closed systems, and they play a significant role in determining the final candidates who will represent each party on the ballot. Understanding primary elections is essential because they influence candidate selection, voter engagement, and party dynamics leading up to both local and national elections.
Ranked-choice voting: Ranked-choice voting is an electoral system that allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference rather than selecting just one. This method can lead to more representative outcomes, as it encourages candidates to appeal to a broader electorate and reduces the impact of vote-splitting among similar candidates. It is particularly relevant in elections where multiple candidates compete for the same position, as it can change the dynamics of campaigns and influence voter behavior.
Swing voters: Swing voters are individuals who do not consistently vote for one political party and can be persuaded to vote for candidates from either major party in elections. This group plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of elections, particularly in closely contested races, as their preferences can shift based on various factors such as the economy, candidate appeal, and specific issues. Understanding swing voters is key to grasping electoral dynamics and the strategies used by political parties to capture their support.
Voter turnout: Voter turnout refers to the percentage of eligible voters who participate in an election, reflecting the level of civic engagement and the effectiveness of the electoral process. High voter turnout is often associated with competitive elections and effective mobilization efforts, while low turnout can indicate apathy, disenfranchisement, or barriers to voting. Understanding voter turnout is crucial for analyzing democratic participation and the health of political systems.
Voting Rights Act: The Voting Rights Act is a landmark piece of federal legislation in the United States, enacted in 1965 to eliminate various forms of racial discrimination in voting. The Act aimed to enforce the voting rights guaranteed by the 14th and 15th Amendments, significantly impacting political participation by ensuring that all citizens, particularly African Americans in the South, could exercise their right to vote without facing barriers such as literacy tests or poll taxes.