Why Your Involvement Matters in the Primary and Local Elections.

February 14th may be Valentine’s Day, but it’s also an important deadline for registered voters in New York State. It marks the last day for registered voters to change their party enrollment and have it be effective immediately, and eligible to vote in the June 24 primary. According to New York State law, any enrollment change submitted after February 14th but before July 1st will not take effect until July 1st—after the primary has already taken place.

While 2025 is an election year, it is considered an off-year election, primarily featuring local races such as county legislative and municipal contests. Non-federal election years are often overlooked by voters, but they are just as—if not more—important than federal elections. Local elections have a direct impact on our daily lives, shaping policies on emergency services, infrastructure maintenance, zoning laws, and economic development. Despite their significance, voter turnout in local elections remains alarmingly low. In the 2023 off-year election, for example, voter turnout in New York State was just 18%. ( Spectrum News 11/8/2023 )

There are many reasons why people don’t vote. One major factor is a lack of trust in election outcomes. In February of last year, a Rasmussen survey found that 52% of likely voters believed fraud could impact results, leading to widespread distrust in the system.

Another reason is voter dissatisfaction—many voters feel there are no candidates who represent their views, especially in uncontested races. ( NPR 9/10/2018 ) Additionally, some voters feel disempowered, believing their vote doesn’t matter, while others lack knowledge about the candidates and their platforms. Logistical challenges, such as frequent moves or work and family obligations, further discourage participation. Disillusionment ultimately leads to disengagement. (https://ekuonline.eku.edu/blog/political-science/what-causes-low-voter-turnout-in-the-united-states/? )

A growing trend in New York State is the increasing number of voters abandoning party affiliations to register as independents, or “blanks” as they are referred to in voter rolls. As of October 2024, unaffiliated voters made up 25% of active registered voters, surpassing the number of registered Republicans, and becoming the state’s second-largest voting bloc. ( Times Union 2024 )

Primary election participation is even lower. In the 2024 federal election year, only 15% of eligible voters participated in New York’s June primary. ( Spectrum 7/2/2024 According to Spectrum News, voters cited reasons such as believing their votes don’t matter, feeling disconnected from the candidates, and assuming decisions had already been made. While the government has attempted to address low turnout through measures like early voting, automatic registration and vote-by-mail, these efforts have had minimal impact and may even contribute to voter apathy. ( Spectrum News 7/2/2024 )

The solution lies in increased citizen involvement in politics. If voters want better candidates, political parties that align with their values, and a trustworthy election process, they must actively engage in the political system. One impactful way to do this is by serving as a party committee member.

Across New York State, thousands of committee seats remain vacant; seats that, if filled, could immediately influence party decisions and candidate selections. Committee members represent their local election districts, communicate community concerns to their parties, help shape party platforms, and engage in voter outreach, registration, and candidate recruitment. Many successful politicians begin their careers in local elections, making grassroots involvement even more critical.

Because New York has closed primaries, only registered party members can vote for their party’s candidates. Enrolling in a party in New York State also grants voters a say (voice) in choosing nominees for the general election. But note, enrolling in a party does not limit voters to supporting only their party’s candidates in the general election

With lower primary turnout, each vote carries even more weight in determining the nominees. Primaries often feature a broad range of candidates, offering voters more choices and ultimately strengthening party unity by narrowing the field to a candidate who best represents the party’s collective voice. In areas dominated by a single party, the primary election often determines the winner, making participation even more crucial.

Our nation’s founders understood that democracy thrives on active and engaged citizens. Apathy and disengagement undermine the democratic process. This week, I challenge all registered voters to act, enroll in the party of your choice by Valentine’s Day and get involved. By doing so, you can help shape your community, state, and nation in ways that reflect your values and beliefs. Registration forms are available online through the Board of Elections or can be obtained in person at your County Board of Elections office.

For more information on the committee person role and how you can participate, visit ProjectCIVICA.org. We also offer informative Committee Strategy meetings every Monday night, to support your efforts.

Your voice matters. Get involved and make a difference.