What is the Down Ballot
While most media attention is given to electoral races for President, Governor and U.S. Senators, there are many more local positions that are critically important. Collectively, we call these positions the "Down Ballot."
Examples include:
- US House Representative
- State Senator
- State House Representative
- State Attorney General
- County Commissioner
- Mayor
- City Council Representative
- School Board
- Sherriff
- Elected Judges
There are also often ballot initiatives.
Why is the Down Ballot Important?
In a federalist system, such as the United States, many of the issues that impact your life most directly are determined at the most local levels.
For example:
- If you are concerned about cost of living, decisions of local officials that impact zoning and local building regulations determine how much housing supply is available and, therefore, the cost of rent and mortgages.
- Whether people have access to reproductive health care is largely determined both by state law and by whether county and city governments have appropriate facilities.
- School boards often make decisions that impact the rights of LGBTQIA+ people and set the tone for the community.
