Hi. Hyper-local elected official in Washington, D.C., here.

A lot of people are feeling a lot of ways about federal politics right now, and some are threatening to withhold their vote in November over it.

I& #39;m not here to argue about why it& #39;s so important for you to vote for a presidential candidate in November, though we can debate that another time.

I& #39;m here to argue for the importance of weighing in on local races or, if you& #39;re lucky enough to live in a state, on state races.

Local elected officials do a lot -- or not. They can change your life, and the lives of your neighbors, for the better -- or not. They can make sure the voices who get listened to are the ones who have been historically marginalized -- or not.

I guarantee you there are good people who are wholeheartedly trying to make your community a better place. Don& #39;t stay home in November because you& #39;re frustrated with what& #39;s happening at the federal level. Exercise your power to make things better right at home.