Monday’s Journal Sentinel editorial observed with concern the dwindling participation in local elections, and the rising number of these elections that are uncontested (
READ THE FULL EDITORIAL). They then went on to advocate “an effort like the one under way in Madison , where the business community, the media and the Democratic Party are working to get more people engaged in politics and government.”
To completely turn the tables on the editorial board, one of the main things we need in the Milwaukee area, in order to increase citizen participation in local elections, is an increase in media participation. The editorial reads, “Political parties, media and the business community of southeastern Wisconsin need to figure out a way to get more citizens engaged.” If the editorial board of the Journal Sentinel wants citizens to get engaged, they should begin by getting the media engaged.
By way of example, as I have said many times in the past, the amount and the depth of the press coverage given to Shorewood elections is woefully inadequate. Bloggers were the only “press” covering any of the debates this year. Although I do my best to cover what I can of Village politics, I have another full time job, and really do not have the time it would take to do it right.
The only NOW articles written about the elections were superficial pieces centered on candidates’ answers to a few softball questions. No paper went the extra mile to get voters involved by showing how the candidates were different on key issues. No reporter uncovered a big story by analyzed campaign finance statements. No media outlet created an issue tracker to show how the candidates differed on the 6 or 7 main issues. Surely reporters can find time to attend some of the debates, track the statements made by the candidates, analyze the issues in the election, pore over the voting records of incumbents, write about the differences between the candidates, and so forth. If editors do not make the effort to include this type of information in their publications, why should we take seriously their calls for us to participate in an event they do not deem worth covering?
How can the Journal Sentinel help convince voters that our local elections matter? By covering them as if they matter.
Comments1. Hi Steve, The lack of participation in local elections is pathetic and the absence of good media coverage, except where there is serious contention or controversy (see the school referendum in Brookfield) does play a role. However, the way local elections are scheduled almost insures a lack of participation. If the local elections were combined with the national elections participation would be up (although our national participation is poor as well). I know that holding separate elections for local issues generally brings out those who are interested (and hopefully informed). My feeling is that local officials really don’t want a large turnout; it is easier to get issues passed. The situation was even worse in New York where school board would bring budgets and referendums to the voters three and four times until they “wore down” the electorate and got the issues passed (usually with a fraction of the votes cast in the first election). Hope to see you soon.
- Ed Duncklee, Shorewood Resident.
April 23, 2007
