National contests draw the headlines, but the policies that shape daily life are often set by city councils and school boards.
Turnout in those races is frequently a fraction of national elections, which means each vote carries outsized weight.
Decisions about schools, zoning and transit are made close to home, often with low turnout.

National contests draw the headlines, but the policies that shape daily life are often set by city councils and school boards.
Turnout in those races is frequently a fraction of national elections, which means each vote carries outsized weight.