Roughly a quarter of registered voters took part in the Nov. 4 election.

It’s disappointing, of course, to see so few participate in the election of local leaders who will decide the future of Chautauqua County and its cities, towns and villages. We’ve made it easier than ever to vote, but turnout in local elections barely budges. It’s obvious that the issue isn’t how people cast their votes but rather a lack of interest in local issues that are decided in odd-year elections.It’s disappointing, though not surprising, that local elections generate little interest from many voters. National politics dominate television and social media. Voters are bombarded with state and national politics at every turn, so they don’t have to work very hard to be engaged.

That’s not the case with local elections. There may not be many who vote in odd-year local elections, but those who do are engaged. They pay attention throughout the year as issues are discussed and decided upon in City Hall or the legislative chambers in Mayville. They read the newspaper or listen to local radio to keep track of both the issues and what their local officials say about them. Voters are bombarded with tales of President Trump, former President Joe Biden, Sen. Charles Schumer and Rep. Nick Langworthy whether they follow national politics or not. It’s not that way with local politics. You have to put in a little work to know who and what is driving local decisions. We should lament the lack of voter turnout while appreciating the dedication of those who engaged citizens who take the time to follow matters of local interest.

This will be the final year most of these races are contested in an odd-year after the passage of state legislation that moves many local elections to even years in line with presidential and congressional elections – though city and village elections will continue to be held in odd years because the state couldn’t legally move them. Turnout will be higher in future county elections since they will now be tied to national elections that drive higher turnout, but we’re not sure those voters will be as engaged in local matters. It will be interesting to see how the change to even year voting affects county races in the next election cycle.