The PLEA: Local Government

Democracy does not just happen on election day. It is every citizen’s responsibility to learn about what’s going on in their community and to get involved in the causes they believe in. One way to be an active citizen is to reflect on the election result the day after.

Consider the results of the municipal election in your community:

• What factors made the winner win and the losers lose?
• What role did the local media play in the election?
• What role did social media play in the election?
• What promises were made by the winning candidates? How can they be held accountable for these promises?
• How does the newly-elected council compare to the community’s diversity? Has your community made progress in this area?
• What were the most significant events of the campaign?
• Did the elected candidates receive 50% or more of the votes? If not, is the majority truly being represented by our electoral system?
• What was the voter turnout? How does this compare to other municipalities?
• What do the results of this election mean for the municipality’s future?