Local Elections Matter
Delano Guardians does relational organizing in Delano,
Kern County.
Can you believe it? Voting begins with ballots mailed February 5 for the March primary, which may determine who is elected. In many non-partisan elections, if a candidate gets 50%+1 of the votes, they win. That’s it. No November election.
The issues are up close and personal. People want action on local issues: parks, roads, clean water, emergency services, and more. They want their local government to deliver and allocate funds to their communities. When they don’t—and too often they don’t—they become disillusioned and question the power of voting. Getting voters to turn out and win local elections in March can change that dynamic and increase turnout in November. That’s why we need your engagement and support NOW.
It’s not just about Congress. Here are highlights of three of the many local elections on the ballot:
Kern County Board of Supervisors, District 4 (Delano, McFarland, Shafter, Wasco and unincorporated areas). Incumbent David Couch, who has been a supervisor since 2013, is up for re-election. Now he is facing three potential opponents, all from Kern County, all community-based and dynamic. Couch won by only 1078 votes and he is vulnerable to community challengers.
Tulare County Board of Supervisors, Districts 1 and 2 (Tulare, Lindsay, Strathmore, Pixley, Earlymart and unincorporated areas). Due to the efforts of Dolores Huerta Foundation and others, the 2021 redistricting map “will likely result in greater diversity on the Board of Supervisors in the next couple of election cycles,” according to a DHF attorney. (Visalia Delta Times: “New Map could do away with ‘Good Old Boy’ network on Board of Supervisors” 11/16/21.)
Both Tulare districts 1 and 2 are contested elections of incumbents, Larry Micari (District 1) and Pete Vander Poel III (District 2). They are each being challenged by locals Joe Soria (District 1) and Benny Corona (District 2). These two districts suffer from very low voter turnout, which in turn greatly affects not just local races, but also the CD22 congressional race. Supporting our grassroots groups is our best way to win races up and down the ballot.