Local elections are generally poorly attended.  It’s been difficult to get people to understand just how local politics affects their lives. This Letter To The Editor appeared in today’s Opinion section of the Los Angeles Times and it states the case beautifully:

I would like to thank the 82.41% of registered voters of the great city of Los Angeles for having such trust and confidence in the 11.59% of us who voted in Tuesday’s election. 

 Half of the City Council, half of the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education and half of the Los Angeles Community College District Board of  Trustees were picked. Voters also weighed a bunch of ballot measures that will decide where some of our tax money will go. 

 Yes, less than 12% of us decided how the city will be run for the next few years.

Dorit Dowler-Guerrero, Los Angeles

It’s very simple.  As long as we still have a democracy, get out and vote. It’s the way our voices are heard.