13.3 State and Local Elections and Political Parties

State and local elections are crucial yet often overlooked components of American democracy. These races shape policies that directly impact our daily lives, from education to public safety. Despite their importance, voter turnout is typically lower than in federal elections.

Political parties play a significant role in state and local politics, recruiting candidates and providing resources. However, one-party dominance in some areas can lead to a lack of competition. Campaign finance regulations, ballot measures, and efforts to increase voter participation all influence the landscape of state and local elections.

State and Local Elections

Timing and Offices

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• State and local elections are held at various times throughout the year, depending on the jurisdiction and the offices being contested
  • These elections may include races for governor, state legislature, mayor, city council, school board, and various other local offices
• The specific timing of these elections can vary widely, with some states holding elections in odd-numbered years and others in even-numbered years
  • Some jurisdictions may also hold special elections to fill vacancies or decide on ballot measures outside of the regular election cycle

Rules and Procedures

• The specific rules and procedures for state and local elections are determined by each individual state, resulting in significant variation across the country
  • This includes differences in voter registration requirements (voter ID laws, registration deadlines)
  • Early voting and absentee voting options also vary by state (in-person early voting, no-excuse absentee voting)
  • States may use different voting methods (paper ballots, electronic voting machines, vote-by-mail)
• State and local elections often employ different voting systems compared to federal elections
  • Some jurisdictions use plurality voting, where the candidate with the most votes wins
  • Others use runoff elections or ranked-choice voting to ensure the winner receives a majority of the votes

Redistricting and Gerrymandering

• Redistricting, the process of redrawing electoral district boundaries, plays a significant role in state and local elections
  • In many states, the state legislature is responsible for redistricting
  • This can lead to gerrymandering, the manipulation of district boundaries to favor a particular party or candidate
• Gerrymandering can result in districts with unusual shapes that group together voters based on their political affiliations
  • This can create "safe seats" for a particular party, reducing the competitiveness of elections
  • Examples of gerrymandered districts include Maryland's 3rd Congressional District and Texas's 35th Congressional District

Ballot Measures

• Ballot measures, such as initiatives, referendums, and recalls, allow citizens to directly participate in the legislative process at the state and local levels
  • Initiatives enable voters to propose new laws or constitutional amendments (California's Proposition 13 in 1978)
  • Referendums allow voters to approve or reject laws passed by the legislature (Maine's 2016 referendum on ranked-choice voting)
  • Recalls give voters the power to remove elected officials from office before their term expires (California's 2003 recall of Governor Gray Davis)
• The specific rules and requirements for ballot measures vary by state, including signature thresholds and filing deadlines
  • Some states have more accessible ballot measure processes, while others have more restrictive rules

Political Parties in State and Local Politics

Candidate Support and Resources

• Political parties play a crucial role in recruiting, nominating, and supporting candidates for state and local offices
  • They often provide resources, such as funding, volunteers, and campaign infrastructure, to help their candidates win elections
• Parties may also provide training and guidance to candidates on campaign strategies, messaging, and voter outreach
  • This support can be particularly valuable for first-time or lesser-known candidates who may lack experience or name recognition

One-Party Dominance and Lack of Competition

• In many states and localities, one political party may dominate the political landscape, leading to a lack of competitive elections and reduced accountability for elected officials
  • This can result in a one-party system, where the dominant party's primary election effectively determines the winner of the general election
• Examples of one-party dominance include the Democratic Party in California and the Republican Party in Wyoming
  • In these cases, the minority party may struggle to field competitive candidates or gain traction with voters

Political Machines and Patronage

• Political machines, which are highly organized and disciplined party organizations, have historically wielded significant power in some cities and states
  • These machines often use patronage, the distribution of government jobs and contracts to loyal party supporters, to maintain their influence and control over local politics
• Examples of political machines include Tammany Hall in New York City and the Daley Machine in Chicago
  • These machines often controlled local government for decades, using their power to reward supporters and punish opponents

Partisan Elections for Nonpartisan Offices

• In some states and localities, partisan elections are held for offices that are typically considered nonpartisan, such as judicial positions or school board seats
  • This can lead to increased politicization of these offices and a focus on party affiliation rather than qualifications or experience
• Examples of partisan elections for nonpartisan offices include judicial elections in Texas and school board elections in Florida
  • Critics argue that this politicization can undermine the independence and impartiality of these offices

Barriers to Entry for Minor Parties and Independents

• Minor parties and independent candidates often face significant barriers to entry in state and local elections
  • These barriers can include high signature requirements for ballot access or limited access to campaign resources
• For example, some states require minor party or independent candidates to collect a certain percentage of registered voters' signatures to appear on the ballot
  • This can be a daunting task, especially for candidates with limited resources or name recognition
• The lack of media attention and exclusion from debates can also hinder minor party and independent candidates' ability to reach voters and compete with major party candidates

Campaign Finance Regulations' Impact

Variation in Contribution and Expenditure Limits

• Campaign finance regulations at the state and local levels vary widely, with some jurisdictions imposing strict limits on contributions and expenditures, while others have more relaxed rules
  • These differences can impact the competitiveness and fairness of elections
• For example, some states have low contribution limits for individuals and political action committees (PACs), while others allow unlimited contributions
  • This can affect the ability of candidates to raise funds and compete effectively

Disclosure Requirements and Transparency

• Disclosure requirements for campaign contributions and expenditures are designed to increase transparency and accountability in state and local elections
  • However, the effectiveness of these requirements depends on the specific provisions and enforcement mechanisms in each jurisdiction
• Some states have robust disclosure laws that require detailed reporting of contributions and expenditures, while others have more limited requirements
  • The accessibility and usability of disclosure data can also vary, affecting the public's ability to monitor campaign finance activities

Public Financing Systems

• Some states and localities have implemented public financing systems for campaigns, which provide public funds to candidates who agree to abide by certain spending limits and other restrictions
  • These systems aim to reduce the influence of private money in elections and level the playing field for candidates
• Examples of public financing systems include the Clean Elections programs in Arizona and Maine, which provide full public funding to qualifying candidates
  • These programs have been shown to increase the diversity of candidates and reduce the influence of special interests

Independent Expenditures and Citizens United

• In some cases, campaign finance regulations may be circumvented through the use of independent expenditures, where groups not directly affiliated with a candidate's campaign spend money to support or oppose candidates
  • The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United v. FEC (2010) has led to an increase in independent expenditures in state and local elections
• The Citizens United decision struck down certain restrictions on political spending by corporations and unions, leading to the rise of super PACs and other outside spending groups
  • This has raised concerns about the influence of wealthy interests on state and local elections

Ongoing Debate over Money in Politics

• The role of money in state and local elections has been a subject of ongoing debate, with some arguing that campaign finance regulations are necessary to prevent corruption and ensure fair elections, while others contend that such regulations infringe upon free speech rights
• Proponents of campaign finance reform argue that the current system allows wealthy individuals and special interests to have a disproportionate influence on elections and policy outcomes
  • They advocate for measures such as contribution limits, disclosure requirements, and public financing to level the playing field
• Opponents of campaign finance regulations argue that such rules violate the First Amendment right to free speech and association
  • They contend that individuals and groups should be free to spend money to express their political views and support their preferred candidates

Voter Turnout and Participation

Low Turnout in State and Local Elections

• Voter turnout in state and local elections is often lower than in federal elections, with some jurisdictions experiencing turnout rates below 20% in off-year or special elections
  • This low turnout can lead to a less representative electorate and reduced accountability for elected officials
• For example, in the 2021 New York City mayoral primary, only about 20% of registered Democrats voted, despite the high stakes of the race
  • Low turnout can result in a small, unrepresentative group of voters making decisions that affect the entire community

Factors Influencing Voter Turnout

• Factors that influence voter turnout in state and local elections include the perceived importance of the offices being contested, the competitiveness of the races, the ease of voting (such as the availability of early or absentee voting), and the level of voter engagement and mobilization efforts by campaigns and advocacy groups
• Voters may be less likely to participate in state and local elections if they feel that the offices being contested are less important or that their vote will not make a difference
  • Competitive races and high-profile ballot measures can increase voter interest and turnout
• The availability and accessibility of voting options, such as early voting, absentee voting, and vote-by-mail, can also impact turnout
  • States with more convenient voting options tend to have higher turnout rates

Consequences of Low Voter Turnout

• Low voter turnout in state and local elections can have significant consequences, as these offices often have a direct impact on citizens' daily lives
  • State and local officials make decisions on issues such as education, public safety, transportation, and land use, which can affect communities for years to come
• When turnout is low, the preferences of a small, unrepresentative group of voters may drive policy decisions that do not reflect the broader community's needs and values
  • This can lead to a disconnect between government actions and public opinion

Efforts to Increase Voter Participation

• Efforts to increase voter participation in state and local elections include voter registration drives, get-out-the-vote campaigns, and civic education initiatives aimed at increasing political knowledge and engagement, particularly among underrepresented groups such as young people and minorities
• Voter registration drives aim to increase the number of eligible voters who are registered to vote
  • These efforts often target communities with historically low registration rates (college campuses, low-income neighborhoods)
• Get-out-the-vote campaigns focus on encouraging registered voters to cast their ballots
  • These campaigns may involve door-to-door canvassing, phone banking, and targeted advertising to remind voters of the importance of participating

Reforms to Boost Voter Turnout

• Some states and localities have implemented reforms aimed at increasing voter turnout, such as automatic voter registration, same-day registration, or extending voting hours and locations
  • The effectiveness of these measures in boosting participation varies depending on the specific context and implementation
• Automatic voter registration systems, such as those in Oregon and California, automatically register eligible voters when they interact with government agencies (DMV, social services)
  • These systems have been shown to increase registration rates and turnout
• Same-day registration allows eligible voters to register and vote on the same day, often at their polling place
  • States with same-day registration, such as Minnesota and Wisconsin, tend to have higher turnout rates than states without this option