Local elections shape everyday life in Ithaca, from housing policy and environmental protections, to public transit and policing. Ithacans have a civic duty not only to vote, but also to research and actually know the people and positions on the ballot they fill out. This keeps elected officials accountable, responsive and actually representative of the community’s wants and needs.
Even though many of the elections in Ithaca are uncontested, it is important to know candidates’ platforms and views to hold them accountable.
Casting an informed vote is necessary to protect everyday interests and democratic representation.
Issues like roads filled with potholes, zoning decisions that affect housing and public safety concerns are all decided by Ithaca’s Common Council and the Tompkins County Legislature, not by any federal officials decisions do.
Local elections matter just as much as larger elections. The Common Council enacts local ordinances, sets budgets and manages city affairs.
Despite their importance, local elections routinely and continuously have a much lower turnout rate than national races, as evident by the 2025 Tompkins County primary election, where only 5.21% of registered voters in the county actually came out to the polls. This lack of voter attendance can amplify the influence of small organized groups, potentially skewing local representation.
Younger voters and voters of color often participate less in local, low-turnout elections, which deepens existing inequalities in political representation. When these minority groups vote at lower rates, the resulting policies tend to only reflect the perspectives and needs of the people who do show up: typically older, wealthier and whiter populations.
This dynamic can shape everything from how public funds are allocated to which neighborhoods receive infrastructure upgrades or environmental protections. When younger groups and minorities engage politically, they do not merely elect individuals, they help shape a more representative and just government that acknowledges the realities of every part of the community. Voters must choose inclusive and transparent candidates to ensure an equitable government for all.
However, voting is not as simple as just showing up on Election Day. Casting a ballot is important, but actually knowing who you are voting for is even more crucial.
Voting without knowing the candidates and issues is essentially guessing — it hands the real power to whoever’s campaign happens to best mobilize voter turnout, not the real majority interest. Informed voting ensures that outcomes of elections reflect residents’ collective values rather than the influence of money, recognition or party loyalty.
Knowing the candidates means more than simply having their sign in the yard or wearing their merchandise. It means truly understanding not only how they will treat the town, but also what values guide their decision-making.
To know the potential candidates, voters should take advantage of local resources that make it easier to learn about who is on the ballot. Voters should read candidate statements and platforms to gain insight into their priorities. The Tompkins County Board of Elections also publishes sample ballots before every election, and the Common Council website posts meeting minutes that help reveal how candidates may vote on issues.
Ithaca locals must cast informed votes in the upcoming election to ensure the future of the city. Voting in local elections takes direct action towards bettering the living conditions for all Ithacans.
