Voting is a cornerstone of democracy, yet many cities in the United States have consistently low voter turnout rates. In November 2020, Texas saw nearly 3 million ballots cast, with Tarrant, Bexar, and Dallas counties registering more than 200,000 votes each. Travis County (Austin) was a distant fifth, with 165,000 voters. A mere 1 percent increase in urban voters would add millions of new voices to the electoral process and involve them in the future of their community. Unfortunately, Democrats often take urban voters for granted, Republicans ignore them, and they are rarely courted in national elections.
The share in Washington DC seems relatively weak when compared to nearby suburban areas such as Montgomery County (Maryland) (with a 63% share in 2011) and Arlington County (Virginia) (with a 67% share). Urban counties in the Sun Belt will continue to grow, which could cause some states in the south, such as Texas, to turn purple. The lack of voter turnout is a problem that needs to be addressed not just every four years but every year in local elections. To ensure that all voices are heard and that everyone has an equal say in the future of their community, it is essential to increase voter turnout. Montgomery County is an excellent example of how this can be done.
In 2011, the county had a 63% voter turnout rate, which is higher than many other counties in the United States. Increasing voter turnout requires education and encouragement. Citizens must understand the importance of voting and be motivated to participate in local elections. This can be done through campaigns that emphasize the power of voting and how it can shape the future of their community. By educating citizens on the importance of voting and encouraging them to participate in local elections, we can ensure that all voices are heard and that everyone has an equal say in the future of their community.
