Local Politics
One of the most common questions I get asked when I go to churches to speak about politics is this: “Who should I vote for?” Even if this is all they say, I know they’re asking about the presidential election. People will tell me all about how they’re spending hours reading hundreds of pages of depositions, watching hours of CSPAN, listening to hundreds of hours of commentary and news, all supposedly to prepare themselves for one single vote every four years.
I understand their angst about what to do with this one vote, but I cannot help but think they are wasting time. There are dozens of other races to research, community centers to volunteer at, city council meetings to attend, and neighbors to bring casseroles! Our political life is so much bigger than the presidential race, and so much bigger than national politics.
Local politics intimidates many of us - it seems like we need to do lots of research, show up to in-person meetings, or (gasp!) meet our actual neighbors. National politics sucks up all the attention, training us to focus on the biggest players, the highest rungs of power. But decisions are made in city council meetings that affect our most vulnerable neighbors. The election of a judge or sheriff can change the world for someone who ends up in the back of a squad car or standing in that judge’s courtroom. The relationship you build with your neighbor might end up shaping the life of your small community.
Start small. Pick one issue to research and engage with. Show up to one meeting. Make one phone call. Resist the urge to scroll social media and call it activism. Cultivate in the regular rhythms of your life this very practical concern for the life of your community and the flourishing of your neighbor, one boring meeting or phone call at a time.
Resources
Learn more about your local elections here:
A guide from the Legal Defense Fund about local and state elections
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You could have stayed distant and separate from the messiness of human life, but you moved into our neighborhood. Help us to be good neighbors. Help us see where you might be leading us to serve - with our votes, with our time, with our money, with our homes. Give us strength when politics is exhausting and messy. We are confident, God, that we will see your goodness in the land of the living. Amen.