It’s fairly common to hear people complain bitterly about what’s happening in government, both locally and nationally, only to find out they don’t vote. The reasons they give are many and varied. Some people have financial or transportation issues, can’t get time off from work, or find the mere idea of registering to vote intimidating, when, in fact, it’s fast and easy. Others choose not to vote when they don’t feel there is a candidate that represents their views or if they think their ballot doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things, even though it’s one of the easiest ways an individual can make a real difference. It’s amazing how close some elections are. Some come down to just one or two votes.

People who do not vote shouldn’t complain about anything because any citizen in the USA can register and vote. There are very few qualifications. In fact, there are very few qualifications to hold most political offices. This is amazing considering people elected to those positions have the power to impact all of us and our economy in big ways. Consequently, our votes can dramatically improve our lives or make our circumstances much worse.

It truly is our civic responsibility to vote in every election, from the biggest national contests to the smallest local competitions.

Among those who do vote, it’s not unusual to hear they vote along party lines or for someone with a name they recognize, either from being a celebrity, from having a famous relative, or even from being notorious for some nefarious reason. Shockingly, some people don’t put any time or effort into making sure the people they vote for share their values and interests or are remotely qualified for the job they’re seeking. Some blame career politicians for all of society’s ills, but neglect to consider what type of person is more likely to affect positive change. Instead of supporting a person who understands urban planning, law, or economics, they will vote for a professional wrestler, movie star, or popular podcaster. Rather than vote for someone who will champion the causes dearest to their heart, they will vote for a school board candidate or a mayor simply because they are an acquaintance of their cousin. Doesn’t it make more sense to elect someone with a background and experience in finance, government, or business rather than a radio personality, retired athlete, or musician? Yet in a democracy, it’s all up to the voters. Too often the ultimate qualification is charisma.

Elections can have a profound impact on you and your local economy. Your vote, combined with the votes of your neighbors, shape policies, regulations, and laws that impact you. Elect officials who will prioritize common sense policies and economic growth. They will make decisions that can directly impact taxes, infrastructure investments, and economic incentives. Their decisions can either encourage or discourage new investment and future business growth. Elect people who understand local entrepreneurs and their challenges. When elected officials help local businesses thrive, more customers and more investments are attracted. That can be expected to lead to enhanced property values which will produce income that can be reinvested into your community. It’s all connected and it all starts with your vote.

Be an informed citizen. Then make your voice heard and your opinions count. Elect representatives that will improve your community.

The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation’s Local Economic Development committee hopes informed voters will embrace their civic duty not only during this election season but every time they have an opportunity to vote in any election. Voters are the key to economic development. Everyone benefits when we select and install officials who embrace our values and are competent, capable, and devoted to creating and maintaining a better, stronger economy for us all.

Use your immense power. Your vote matters.

You can register to vote in New York online, by mail, or in person. Register to vote online at elections.ny.gov, or fill out a paper voter registration application and mail or submit it in person at your county’s Board of Elections or any state agency designated as a National Voter Registration Act site, like the DMV, SUNY, Department of Health, Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance, and many more designated locations. You can register to vote up to 10 days before any election. The deadline for the upcoming national election on Nov. 5 is Oct. 26.

There are different types of elections depending on where you live, but the most common are for legislative, executive, and judicial officials. Voters may also have the opportunity to weigh in on ballot measures, which are proposed local or state laws and policies, or on ballot initiatives, which are created by citizen groups.

Legislative officials make local or state laws and policies that affect you. This includes voting for members of your municipality’s common council. They decide upon local initiatives, zoning, land use, budgets, and tax rates, among other impactful things. Executive officials enforce the laws and policies that legislative officials make. They include positions like mayors, county executives, and governors. Judicial officials include state or local judges.

Patty Hammond is Economic Development Coordinator at the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation. The Local Economic Development (LED) Initiative is a standing committee of the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation (NCCF).

Send comments or suggestions to Patty Hammond at phammond@nccfoundation.org