I used to think most decisions were made way over my head, like once something reached Washington, D.C., my voice no longer mattered. But over time, I’ve learned that the people who shape our day-to-day lives are often much closer than we think. That’s why knowing your local representatives, and holding them accountable, matters more than we realize.

I grew up in Jackson, Mississippi, and like many people, I only really paid attention during presidential or mayoral elections. That changed when I was about 16 years old. I had just learned about a federal bill that would make it harder for disabled people to receive the accommodations they need to live their everyday lives. I didn’t think writing to my representative would make a difference. I wasn’t sure if anyone would even read it. But I wrote anyway, because I felt like something bad was happening, and like a lot of 16 year olds, I felt like it was on me to change the world.

A few weeks later, I got a call from Congressman Michael Guest. He thanked me for writing and said he would take my concerns into consideration when voting on the bill. I was shocked and so happy. It wasn’t a solution, but it was a start. That call showed me that our voices can and do reach the people in power.

Local votes matter because local decisions affect everything: school funding, policing, trash pickup, public transit, and more. They also shape how our voices are represented on a national level. When bills like the Big Beautiful Bill are brought to Congress, the person we elect is the one casting a vote on our behalf. We have to pay attention to how our congresspeople and representatives are voting, and when they are appearing on the ballot. If we pay attention to local elections, we can elect people who truly represent us and have our best interests at heart.

For young people, it’s easy to feel disconnected or discouraged, especially when change feels slow. We see so much injustice and misuse of power with every scroll on our phones, but staying silent only guarantees that nothing will change. Writing to your representatives, attending local meetings, and encouraging others to vote may not feel glamorous, but these small actions add up. They put pressure on leaders to do their jobs and remind them exactly who they work for.

You don’t need to be an expert to speak up, you just need to care. If you care about your city, your schools, your streets, or your future, then you have every right, and I would even argue an obligation, to make your voice heard.