Did you know there are over 500,000 elected positions in the United States, AND, get this, 70% of them go uncontested? Yes — you read that right.
This reality is a stark reflection of the disconnect between citizens and the democratic process, especially at the local level. It also represents a missed opportunity for new ideas and fresh leadership. The Forward Party acknowledges this issue as a central concern. We believe every election, at every level of government, is a chance to make a difference and to help elevate new perspectives. Joe Biden and Donald Trump aren’t going to fix that pothole on your street. It’s the everyday leaders in your local community who will get the job done.
Zoom In: Battleground States in Focus
While every state holds its unique importance in the fabric of our nation, the Forward Party has identified 12 battleground states ripe for delivering results in the coming election cycle. These states are crucial to swing the balance of power and influence national outcomes. They represent diverse populations and issues that must be addressed at the local level.
By focusing our resources and efforts on these battleground states, the Forward Party will ignite a political transformation that ripples across the entire nation. Our goal is to foster an environment where local issues are given the same attention and importance as national ones, and where local leaders are empowered to drive change.
Healing Polarization and Building Community
Focusing on local politics offers a remedy for the deep political divide displayed on the national stage. Local issues, while not free of ideological differences, are often less polarized than national ones. By focusing on local politics, we can find common ground on practical matters and work together for the collective good of our communities.
The Forward approach is also a way to strengthen a sense of community. When we engage in dialogue about local issues, we build relationships and learn about the diverse perspectives within our communities. We develop an understanding of the interdependencies within our neighborhoods and learn to value the importance of collaboration and compromise. By focusing on the concerns that directly impact our communities and collaborating with our neighbors, we stop fighting about our preferred methods of resolution and instead focus on the act of resolving the issues themselves. In other words, the “how” becomes less critical than the essential act of problem-solving.
A Grassroots Revolution
The Forward Party’s commitment to making politics local again is about creating a grassroots revolution that puts power back in the hands of the people, where it belongs. By focusing on uncontested local elections and battleground states, we aim to inspire more citizens to participate in the democratic process, whether by running for office, voting, or engaging in political discourse.
This approach will not only lead to better representation and policy-making at the local level, but also contribute to a healthier democracy on a national scale. When citizens feel that their voices matter and that they can make a difference in their communities, they are more likely to stay engaged and invested in the political process.
It’s time to make politics local again. We invite you to join us in this mission, to empower local communities, and to bring about a political revolution that starts at home. Because at the end of the day, the strength of our democracy starts at our doorsteps, not the closed chambers in DC.
About Ali Backscheider
Ali is the Director of Growth Strategy and Innovation at Forward Party.