Elected officials down the ballot may not have a "D" or an "R" next to their names, but in all likelihood they may have a great impact on your community. In fact, they can control everything from your rent costs to your recycling options. Yet Fair Vote reports that while 60 percent of eligible voters turn out during presidential years and 40 percent vote during midterms, turnout is much lower in odd-year, primary or local elections.
Get a deeper understanding of the stories that matter with Newsy's "The Why" — weekdays 7-9 p.m. ET.