Urgent Warning: 60% of Elections Uncontested, Democracy at Risk

UPDATE: New reports confirm that nearly 60% of elections across the U.S. are uncontested, raising serious concerns about the state of democracy. As Ballotpedia reveals, of the 14,000 elections monitored this week, more than 1,000 mayors were elected without facing any opposition. This trend signals a troubling shift in civic engagement that threatens the very foundation of democratic governance.

While much of the focus has been on the recent mayoral victory of Zohran Mamdani in New York City, the reality is stark: only 700 mayoral races provided voters any choice at all. The alarming data shows that over 50% of city council victories and nearly 80% of local judgeships were won without a single challenger. This trend is not just a minor issue; it raises fundamental questions about the health of our democracy.

The statistics paint a dire picture. Since 2018, the proportion of uncontested elections has surged to a staggering 75%. Civic disengagement is at an all-time high, with one-third of eligible voters opting not to participate in the last election. “We have elected officials and voters, but political opposition? We’re in trouble,” warns Doug Kronaizl, a managing editor at Ballotpedia.

The implications are profound. In states like Iowa and Ohio, hundreds of elections went uncontested, with Iowa reporting 1,753 races and Ohio exceeding 2,500. In some instances, if elections lack challengers, ballots aren’t even printed. This situation transforms voting into a mere performance, undermining the democratic process.

Former mayor of Tempe, Arizona, Neil Giuliano, reflects on the challenges faced by potential candidates today. “It’s either a vanity effort or a futility effort,” he states, noting that many are discouraged by the perceived irrelevance of local positions. The rise in uncontested races is often attributed to a lack of perceived importance and a general sense of overwhelm among potential candidates.

Despite these challenges, there are signs of hope. Amanda Litman, co-founder of Run for Something, reports an influx of inquiries from individuals eager to run for office, totaling over 200,000 since November 2020. She emphasizes that housing issues are galvanizing new candidates, indicating a growing desire for change at the local level.

The stakes have never been higher. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa emphasizes the need for civic engagement, stating, “Democracy is a living, breathing thing.” With the current crisis not stemming from external threats but from civic disengagement, it is crucial for citizens to understand that their participation is vital for a functional democracy.

As we reflect on this critical moment, it becomes clear that the future of local governance hinges on fostering political opposition. Without it, voters are left without choices, and elected officials are not held accountable. The beauty of democracy lies in its ability to serve the people, and it is our duty to ensure that all three pillars—elected officials, voters, and political opposition—remain strong and intact.

The situation remains fluid, and more developments are expected as communities grapple with these realities. For those invested in the future of democracy, the message is clear: engagement is essential now more than ever.