When Voting, Don't Forget Local Elections

By Marissa Cohen

This year’s upcoming election might be one of the most important ones in our nation’s history. Between debate cancellations, attack ads, and a global pandemic, the road to November 3rd hasn’t exactly been easy. However, while many of you probably hear the words “Trump” or “Biden” every 10 seconds, they’re certainly not the only two people running in this election. Many people these days are tempted to just vote down the party line, but local elections can be just as important, if not even more important, than the presidential one.
 
In Newtown Township and Newtown Borough, there are two other very important elections: one for our U.S. House Representative, and one for our state representative. There are also a few smaller, more local elections this year such as local judges. Some of you know a bit about the election for the House of Representatives. The two major names in this race are the incumbent congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R) and Christina Finello (D). Our district’s congress race is usually one of the most debated in the months leading up to the election, as the results tend to flip-flop between political parties. This race is one that’s gained much national attention, with Finello being noticed by notable congress people such as Elizabeth Warren and both candidates being featured on major media stations and shows. Fitzpatrick and his family are very well known and respected in this area, so the polls currently favor him. However, Finello is not too far behind. 
 
The other important local race this year is for state representative, a race between incumbent representative Perry Warren (D) and newcomer Charlie Adcock (R). Both men live in Newtown, with children who have gone or who currently go to Council Rock. Warren has served as our district’s representative since 2016; he has a very bipartisan and common sense approach to his politics. Funnily enough, one of Charlie Adcock’s major election points is common sense too, and it seems to be what he’s pushed a lot in his campaign. Like the election for Congress, it is currently projected that the incumbent representative will win, but you can never be too sure when it comes to polls. If the 2016 election showed anything, it’s that polls aren’t always accurate.
 
These local elections are very important: these are the people who will be making decisions that affect Newtown directly, and the people who will represent you in the state house and in Congress. So, what can you do to make sure you have a say in the local elections? Vote! There are multiple ways to vote this year: you can go to the polls on November 3rd like usual, or you can request a mail-in ballot, another perfectly safe way to cast your vote if you’re nervous about in-person voting during the pandemic. Doing your own research on these candidates is very important too. If you don’t take everything at face value and you make your own decisions based on policies and facts, you’ll be more comfortable with who you’re voting for and you’ll be picking the candidates who best represent you.

​So, if you’re casting your vote in this year’s election, remember that while it may be all you hear about, it’s not just Trump and Biden.
 

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