Majority of Local Elections Uncontested: A Crisis for Democracy

URGENT UPDATE: New data reveals a shocking 60% of local elections across the U.S. are uncontested, raising serious concerns about the state of democracy. As Americans head to the polls, the impact of this trend is profound and immediate, with over 14,000 elections tracked by Ballotpedia across 30 states this week.

In a startling turn, while much attention focused on the recently elected New York City Mayor, Zohran Mamdani, more than 1,000 mayors nationwide were elected without facing any opposition. This alarming pattern extends beyond mayoral races: more than 50% of city council victories and nearly 80% of local judgeships were similarly uncontested, signaling a critical failure in democratic engagement.

The rise of uncontested elections is attributed to widespread voter disengagement. According to Doug Kronaizl, managing editor at Ballotpedia, many Americans are increasingly fixated on national politics, neglecting the local elections that most directly affect their daily lives. “The vast majority of the pyramid — that huge base — is like all of these local elections that are always happening and end up being for the most part uncontested,” he explained.

In states like Iowa, there were 1,753 races with one or zero candidates, while Ohio reported over 2,500 such races. This trend indicates a significant decline in political competition, which is essential for healthy governance. Without opposition, elections become mere formalities, undermining the very foundation of democracy.

Former Tempe Mayor, Neil Giuliano, emphasized the need for candidates to engage with their communities. He noted that many potential candidates feel overwhelmed by the political landscape and choose not to run. “It’s already challenging enough without getting into a public fray where people hate each other,” he remarked.

However, not all hope is lost. Since the election of President Trump, Amanda Litman, co-founder of Run for Something, reported over 200,000 inquiries from individuals interested in running for office. “The number one issue we’re hearing folks talk about is housing,” she stated, highlighting the urgency for civic engagement.

The historical context of this issue is profound. As Antonio Villaraigosa, former Los Angeles Mayor, noted, “democracy is a living, breathing thing.” He argues that civic participation is crucial to combat the current crisis of disengagement. “We have an obligation and a duty to participate,” he urged, emphasizing the need for political opposition to restore faith in local governance.

In light of these developments, the question remains: Are we witnessing a healthy democracy or merely a façade? Without robust political competition, the essential dialogues that shape our communities are at risk of fading away. As voters, officials, and civic leaders reflect on these trends, immediate action is necessary to revitalize participation and restore the foundations of democracy.

The implications are clear: local elections need more candidates, more choices, and more voices. The future of democracy relies on the engagement of every citizen at the grassroots level. With the stakes higher than ever, the call to action is urgent—citizens must step up, get involved, and ensure their voices are heard.