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

I'm here to argue for the importance of weighing in on local races or, if you'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't stay home in November because you're frustrated with what's happening at the federal level. Exercise your power to make things better right at home.