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Staying informed about politics in your state is vital for anyone who wants to make a difference in their community and understand the decisions that shape daily life. Politics, both local and state-level, impact everything from education and healthcare to tax policies and infrastructure. While national elections often get the spotlight, it’s crucial to keep track of the political landscape in your state as well. Here are five key reasons why staying on top of your state’s politics is important.
Election Results Can Change Your Life
State elections often have a more immediate impact than national elections. While presidential elections get the most attention, local and state races are often just as critical, if not more so. For example, Pennsylvania elections determine everything from local taxation to the way schools are funded. More often than not, local politicians make decisions regarding job opportunities, public services, and economic affairs in your state. Understanding the candidates’ platforms and policies at election time will enable you to make an informed vote that has a say in your future.
Make Your Vote Count
The most fundamental manner through which you can create any form of change is by voting. But let’s be real: you want to know what’s at stake in an upcoming election. When this time comes around, you will be more prepared to make an educated decision based on the policy and stance that each candidate presents. In many states, like Pennsylvania, the outcome of an election often rests on local issues that will affect your community’s future. Whether it be electing a governor or voting on local measures, your vote counts when you are informed about the candidates and the issues they stand for.
Hold Elected Officials Accountable
Holding politicians accountable is one of the key factors of good democracy. In this regard, being abreast of the political happenings in your state places you in a better position to question your elected officials. Whether it’s evaluating how they handle education budgets or their stance on healthcare reform, keeping track of their promises versus their actions helps ensure they serve their constituents faithfully. If they aren’t living up to expectations, you’ll know when to raise your voice and demand change, whether through petitions, meetings, or simply voting them out in the next election.
Protect Your Rights and Freedoms
State laws passed either protect or put your rights at risk. One has got to be in the know in order to be informed if their freedoms are in jeopardy. Whether it’s about voting rights, marriage equality, or abortion laws, your state government has a very big say in defining personal freedoms. The more politically aware you are, the better positioned you will be to ensure that your rights are not violated. Knowing them helps in influencing policies that will ensure your rights and those of people within your community are protected, as laws in some states are ever-changing.
Understand the Economic Impact
The political arena might also highly affect your state’s economy. Policies on taxes, business regulations, minimum wage, and even environmental laws create the economic climate. This same information will help you make more informed personal and professional decisions. For instance, knowing the economic impact of state tax laws or business regulations will better enable you to decide where to locate your career or investments. Regular updates on how the economy is doing will help you prepare for economic ups and downs and also make wiser decisions in your daily life.
Conclusion
Keeping up with what is happening in state politics is not only for political enthusiasts but also a civic duty for every concerned citizen who wants to make sure their voice is heard. Whether it is in safeguarding your rights, holding elected officials accountable, or making informed decisions when you vote, being politically engaged helps shape the future of your state. More than ever, especially during events like the Pennsylvania elections, the effects of informed decisions are felt. You can make sure that through informed and engaging decisions, you have a say in how policies are shaped and that the decisions made are those that best fit the values of the community and the needs of the citizens.
By Hannah Boothe
– is a freelance writer native to Northern California who spends her free time developing herself. Hannah enjoys the outdoors, she goes hiking whenever the weather permits and enjoys practicing yoga. She carves out time to journal and read whenever she can. She loves adventure and connecting with those around her.
Member since August, 2022
View all the articles of Hannah Boothe.
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