The winners in local political races impact the lives of citizens every minute of every day.
From governors, state senators and representatives; county legislators, school boards, borough council members and township supervisors, historically poor voter turnout in election cycle “off years” – or in those where a president is not running for election – can have a profound impact on education funding, programs, property taxes, policies, services and more.
“People need to know that voting for local candidates means choosing decision-makers who understand the issues they are facing at home every day,” said Erin Frederick, founding executive director of The Hometown Project.
It’s not hard to find election coverage for national races, but voters may become overwhelmed by local contests “up and down the ballot” for politicians they may not know – or job descriptions they may not understand.
“How many people are on the ballot, who’s running for what and who’s on your ballot” are questions often posed in private – and lost in the political frenzied shuffle,” Frederick said.
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Actor, TV personality and designer Carson Kressley, an Allentown native has released a video clip in support of Democrat and Lehigh County Controller Mark Pinsley. Pinsley is running against Incumbent GOP Rep. Jarrett Coleman to represent SD-16, which includes portions of Lehigh and Bucks counties.
Aimee Mullins, Paralympian and actor an on Stranger Things has released a video clip in support of Democrat Christopher Thomas for State Senate District 24 (SD-24), which includes portions of Berks and Montgomery counties. Thomas is running against incumbent Republican Tracy Pennycuick.
Pennsylvania state senators serve four year terms.
“Carson and Aimee care about where they’re from and want to help elevate these incredible candidates,” Frederick explained.
The videos were released in Pennsylvania, where many see Democratic wins as “the biggest prize in this year’s midterm” elections, the press release said.
“People need to know that voting for local candidates means choosing decision-makers who understand the issues they are facing at home every day.” – Erin Frederick, Founding Executive Director of The Hometown Project.
According to a report by The Pennsylvania Independent, the commonwealth has not seen a “Democratic hat trick” or control by Democrats of all three governing bodies – the house, senate and governor’s mansion – in 31 years.
More than 125 artists who have collaborated or partnered with organizations nationwide to focus on local races.
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Frederick admitted public figures such as artists and celebrities may have “outsized influence” on fans in their hometowns – which can be a boon to candidates seeking office.
The Hometown Project has partnered with Danny DeVito, Selena Gomez, Sarah Jessica Parker, Mark Ruffalo and Wanda Sykes, among others, to encourage local voter turnout, the press release said.
