Municipal and county-specific election seasons provide U.S. voters additional platforms to exhibit their desires and perceptions of their communities. Although these seasons put people in power among city and state-oriented responsibilities, these people portray voices that federal entities depend on to make world-changing decisions. County supervisors, sheriffs, school district board members, and state senates ultimately comprise the federal voice through their local activities. One branch of government, be it executive, judicial, or legislative, is never entirely responsible for all of the United States’ successes and failures. The U.S. political landscape, through its ingenious checks and balances, puts responsibilities on U.S. citizens and residents. The landscape, thankfully, rewards civic engagement and communication with governing entities and hinders individuals who prefer apathy and its associated luxuries.

As someone who politically aligns with the Democratic Party, I received the 2014 midterm election results as a blow to my political aspirations. The G.O.P (Grand Old Party) gained more representatives in the house and senate relative to 2010 midterm election results. This means that democrats like me have to exert more resources to lobbying congress-people and state representatives for our own priorities. In other words, I would have to make more phone calls, organize more in person appointments, and write more documents to convince G.O.P representatives about democrat-minded aspirations.

If you wish for more effective U.S. presidents who can support your agendas, practice your right to vote (as a U.S. citizen) not only among presidential elections, but also your local, state, and federal conventions. What may seem obscure and limited (i.e., how your state senate runs things, or whether your sheriff has a say in your political affairs) may be the most rewarding for your political desires.