We get a lot of stuff in the mail. For many of us, local election ballots are just another piece of paper that slips through the cracks. And since there aren’t endless political commercials, news coverage, and signs taking over any unoccupied attention like there are in the primary election, it can be kind of hard to know what you’re even voting for. Not to mention, folks in states without mail-in voting may not even know that the polls are open for a local election.

Nonetheless, local elections are essential tools of democracy. They can take place at any time throughout the year and are decisive in things like your state governor and legislature, city mayor, the police department, education, and roads and infrastructure. In fact, many of the topics that people complain about are adjusted and changed in local elections. In some cases, the decisions made on the regional level may even affect your quality of life more than primaries.

If these matters are meaningful to you, knowing the local electives that share your views is worthwhile. Additionally, if you care about where those tax dollars are going, you’ll want to know what is happening in your local ballot or polls. Even issues like marijuana are wholly decided at the local level. States like Washington, Oregon, and California bring in massive tax revenues from the marijuana industry that are being funneled directly into infrastructure and education.

More importantly, local elections are the response to immediate issues and demands of localities. You may see your vote enacted immediately if passed, and unlike large midterm and primary elections, you’ll see a tangible outcome of your dedication to the polls. This is also great for morale, as it a reminder of how powerful our voices and votes truly are.