2 ms·

Well said, thank you! It is much easier than you think. Uncontested races are about half of all elections [0]. Just near me a city election had only 19 people

Well said, thank you! It is much easier than you think. Uncontested races are about half of all elections [0]. Just near me a city election had only 19 people vote in it (covid played a big role though). In front of me right now there is a mail ballot for a local election with half the races being uncontested. Look up what your local elections are like here: https://www.google.com/search?ei=DnGgXrfZJNa5tQbtpKy4DA&q=run+for+local+office+in+zipCode https://www.google.com/search?ei=DnGgXrfZJNa5tQbtpKy4DA&q=ru... For instance in SF here is the page on how to run for office: https://sfethics.org/compliance/campaigns/candidates/running-for-office https://sfethics.org/compliance/campaigns/candidates/running... This takes about a lunch break to get through. Please consider it, democracy only works if you do. [0] https://www.governing.com/topics/elections/gov-uncontested-legislative-races.html https://www.governing.com/topics/elections/gov-uncontested-l... Per the article, there is a LOT of variation here.

Talanes 7y ago
I agree with your general point, but San Francisco politics is the worst example. The local political scene is huge and all very connected together, and you have a billion options for every seat because people are trying to play the game and just run for any office. We had a dude running for Community College Board last cycle who had never attended any sort of public school.
- Balgair 7y ago
  True! I've seen first hand the 'issues' with something as small as the a single street's dev. board. Such 'struggle' is even more of a reason to get involved and not shy away. The problems are unlikely to get better without your involvement. I mostly used SF as an example to whet the appetite, as many HNers seem to reside in the Bay Area. I encourage anyone to look up their local races and consider throwing their hat into the ring.
  - Talanes 7y ago
    I would also encourage anyone in the Bay outside of San Francisco to look into your town and county politics too. San Francisco draws a lot of attention in the areas scene, but the outlaying areas are often more suited to quick change. Those actually in the city, get familiar with your local supervisor. Some of them are very accessible, if yours isn't vote them out.

Talanes 7y ago

I agree with your general point, but San Francisco politics is the worst example. The local political scene is huge and all very connected together, and you have a billion options for every seat because people are trying to play the game and just run for any office. We had a dude running for Community College Board last cycle who had never attended any sort of public school.

Balgair 7y ago
True! I've seen first hand the 'issues' with something as small as the a single street's dev. board. Such 'struggle' is even more of a reason to get involved and not shy away. The problems are unlikely to get better without your involvement. I mostly used SF as an example to whet the appetite, as many HNers seem to reside in the Bay Area. I encourage anyone to look up their local races and consider throwing their hat into the ring.
- Talanes 7y ago
  I would also encourage anyone in the Bay outside of San Francisco to look into your town and county politics too. San Francisco draws a lot of attention in the areas scene, but the outlaying areas are often more suited to quick change. Those actually in the city, get familiar with your local supervisor. Some of them are very accessible, if yours isn't vote them out.