When thinking of voting and elections one often overlooks the locally based elections.  Local elections give citizens an opportunity to make more of a direct impact in their state, county, and town.  These elections are just as, or even more, important than the general presidential election every 4 years. 

In the upcoming 2020 election, one thing local voters will be able to vote for will be California’s 21st Congressional District Election.  California’s 21st district includes Kings County and portions of Fresno, Kern, and Tulare counties.  The two candidates are Repablican David G. Valadao and Democrat TJ Cox.  It is worth mentioning that in 2018, Cox took Valadao’s seat in congress as representative of the district by 0.8% of the vote.

Cox has said his priorities are quality, affordable care for all, immigration reform that include a path to citizenship and protections for DACA recipients, protect programs like Medicare, and end “Big Money” in politics.  For more information visit https://tjcoxforcongress.com/priorities/. 

Valadeo prioritizes making a balanced budget, expanding domestic energy potential to reduce dependence on foreign energy,  reasonable and responsible pathway to citizenship for those wishing to enter the country and those already here, and fight to address local needs during the drought. For more information visit https://valadaoforcongress.com/issues/.  

Even more local, Selma is having an election to vote for the next mayor.  Previously, the mayor position was in rotation among the City Council members.  This year the mayor position will be up to the public to decide.  The two candidates for mayor are Louis Fanco (the current mayor) and Scott Robertson.  

Franco plans to repair Selma’s infrastructure, invest in Selma’s community members to  give them a pathway to long-term careers, and create a new fire department among other things. For information about Franco’s plans for the city of Selma visit http://www.invest-in-selma.com. 

Robertson supports strong public safety, in favor of removing homeless encampments in Selma, and assisting the homeless in finding shelters, building beautification, creating new parks, and continuing using grants.  For more information about Robertson’s plans visit https://scottforselma.com. 

There will also be a Selma Unified School District Trustee Area 2 election.  The three candidates for this position are Jaspreet Nagra, Narinder “Nick” Sahota, and Cesar F. Benjarano.  

Nagra plans to invest in the students, empower the district’s teachers, and provide transparent communication to the community.  For more information on Nagra visit https://www.jaspreetnagra.com/#Plans. 

Sahota plans to reform and improve learning for all students, ensure safety for all students, teachers and staff, enforce board accountability to the community, and to work with community leaders and elected officials to better fund education.  For more information visit https://vote4sahota.com. 

All of these elections will take place on November 3, 2020.  Everyone of age should engage in their civic duty and vote.  These are elections that directly affect the community and people in it.