The presidential election is approaching, evident through the copious number of TV commercials, social media posts and flyers in the mail that have appeared over the last few months. While the election is captivating for a reason (as of October 20 neither candidate is statistically leading in any of the seven main swing states, making it very close), I implore you to remember local elections, which hold equal importance to national ones.

Elections for members of the national legislature are crucial. While the president is key in deciding what legislation is signed, the political party controlling Congress significantly influences whether that legislation reaches the president’s office. This year, control of the Senate and House of Representatives remains a toss-up, as both the Democrats and Republicans could come away with control of either chamber. This means that every last seat remains crucial for each party’s focus. One crucial district lies just 35 minutes away from Mounds View. Minnesota’s House District 2 includes cities such as Lakeville, Northfield and Eagan, and has been a contentious seat for the past few election cycles. In 2022, the candidates broke a record for the most money spent on a Minnesota congressional race, with Minnesota Public Radio reporting that the candidates had spent over $10 million on top of the $15 million spent by political action committees (PACs). So far, candidates Angie Craig (D) and Joe Teirab (R) have spent less than last cycle, but still quite a sizable amount at around $7 million. Close congressional campaigns such as this one are vital for voters to engage in, as the results can determine which party  controls Congress and the subsequent policy passed. But that race is still on quite a large scale. What about the state government?

Last year, the Minnesota state legislature passed a myriad of bills. Because the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party controls the governor’s office, house and senate, passing their intended legislation was very efficient. This led to many bills, such as the codifying of abortion rights, paid family and medical leave, legalization of cannabis and gun reform. While this may seem distant to high school students focused on sports, classes and clubs, the state legislature also passed bills that directly affected students. That came in the form of free school breakfast and lunch, an increased public education budget and an increased budget to fix the potholes that may have annoyed students on their drive to Mounds View in the morning. The state government impacts everyone on a day-to-day basis, highlighting the importance of contributing your voice to it. It is also a lot easier to influence than the national presidential race. The Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office reports that the north suburban districts of 32B, 35B and 36A, which cover cities Blaine, Coon Rapids and North Oaks, respectively, had a voting margin of less than 3% between the main candidates in 2022. In District 35B, the result of the election was decided by fewer than 250 votes. Every vote counts in these races, and the legislation those candidates propose can impact constituents (like you) drastically. That is why it is so important to remember state and local elections.

Aside from the national and MN state legislatures, a plethora of other governmental positions will be filled this election. In Arden Hills, elections for county commissioner, city council, state supreme court judges and a statewide amendment to extend lottery proceeds for environmental protection await voters. With so many levels of government to contribute your voice to, it is important to remember and research the other races on the ballot on November 5.