The Power of Your Vote: Why Municipal Elections Matter in Mississippi
By Chad Wicker
In a world where national politics dominate the headlines, it’s easy to overlook the elections happening in our own backyard. Yet, in Mississippi, municipal elections play a crucial role in shaping the communities we call home. While they may not garner the same level of attention as state or national contests, their outcomes have a profound and immediate impact on our daily lives. From the quality of our roads to the safety of our neighborhoods, the officials elected in our towns and cities make decisions that directly influence our well-being.
Municipal governments in Mississippi oversee a wide array of essential services that affect our everyday experiences. Boards of Aldermen determine zoning laws, shaping business development and residential growth. They set local property tax rates, deciding how much revenue is available to fund schools, police and fire departments, infrastructure projects, and public works. These officials establish city budgets, allocating tax dollars to maintain roads, parks, and essential services. Meanwhile, mayors manage city departments, ensuring that emergency services operate efficiently, utilities function properly, and municipal employees serve the public effectively. Simply put, the quality of life in our communities is directly tied to the decisions made by these local leaders. Electing responsible, dedicated officials is not just important, it’s essential.
Unlike high-profile national elections, where a single vote may feel insignificant, municipal elections often come down to just a handful of ballots. There are countless examples of races being won or lost by a mere few votes, proving that every voter truly makes a difference. If even a small percentage of disengaged voters chose to participate, they could fundamentally reshape their communities. The officials elected at the local level make decisions that affect your daily life—shouldn’t you have a say in who they are and what they stand for?
Running for local office is no easy task. Candidates who step forward to serve in these roles are often our neighbors—people who genuinely care about improving their communities. Unlike national politicians, who are insulated by layers of staff and bureaucracy, local officials work directly with their constituents every day. These public servants take on challenging, often thankless jobs, navigating tight budgets, public scrutiny, and tough decisions because they believe in making their towns and cities better places to live. Whether you agree with every policy a candidate supports or not, their willingness to engage in the democratic process deserves respect. And the best way to honor their commitment is by participating in the process yourself.
If you care about the condition of your local infrastructure, the quality of public services, or the overall direction of your community, voting in municipal elections is one of the most effective ways to make a difference. Right now, absentee voting is underway for Mississippi’s municipal elections, with the primary election set for April 1st and the general election on June 3rd. This is your opportunity to have a direct say in who sets tax rates, manages city budgets, and makes decisions that impact your daily life. Research the candidates, understand their platforms, and most importantly, cast your ballot. Your vote is not just a civic duty, it’s a powerful tool to shape the future of your community. Don’t let it go to waste.
Note: The following opinion-editorial column is offered and written by Chad Wicker, Hernando Ward 4 Alderman. Wicker is running unopposed for reelection in the 2025 Hernando municipal elections.
