After the Election: Understanding Your New Civic Team
The ballots are cast, the signs are coming down, and a new group of leaders is stepping into office. For many voters, Election Day feels like the finish line. But in truth, it’s only the beginning.
I like to remind people: you’ve just elected a team. Now the real work starts—understanding who’s on that team, what roles they play, and how we hold them accountable for results that improve the health and well-being of our communities.
1. Know Who’s on Your Team
Here in New Orleans, voters have chosen a new mayor, city council, sheriff, and other local officials. Each one holds a specific set of responsibilities that affect our daily lives. The mayor proposes budgets and sets priorities. The city council debates and approves those budgets. The sheriff oversees public safety. Together, they shape the policies that determine whether our neighborhoods are safe, our housing is affordable, and our public health needs are met.
No matter where you live—in New Orleans, Detroit, Atlanta, or Houston—the same principle applies: local government decisions have the most immediate impact on your health and quality of life.
2. Learn the Playbook: What Each Role Does
A healthy democracy depends on an informed public. Understanding how local government works isn’t about memorizing civics lessons—it’s about knowing who to call when something needs fixing.
The mayor sets the vision and manages city departments.
The city council approves policies, budgets, and ordinances.
The sheriff or police chief enforces laws and public safety.
The school board determines how our children are educated.
When you know who does what, you can direct your energy and advocacy more effectively.
3. Elections Are the Beginning, Not the End
Voting is essential, but politics doesn’t stop at the ballot box. We can’t cast our votes and walk away until the next election. The power of civic engagement comes from continued attention—attending town halls, reading council agendas, contacting elected officials, and holding them to their campaign promises.
Think of it this way: you’ve hired a team to work for you. Now it’s time to review their performance.
4. Hold Officials Accountable—Together
Accountability doesn’t happen in isolation. It grows when communities stay connected, informed, and vocal. Ask questions like:
What progress has been made on health and safety priorities?
How is funding being distributed across neighborhoods?
Are officials communicating transparently with residents?
When we stay engaged, we not only strengthen democracy—we build healthier, more resilient communities.
5. What’s Next for All of Us
The New Orleans election is a local example of a national truth: elections are not endpoints, they’re checkpoints. Whether you’re in Louisiana or elsewhere, this is your moment to get to know your team and your role in the ongoing work of civic health.
Because the real measure of democracy isn’t just who wins—it’s how we lead, serve, and stay involved once the votes are counted.
Action Steps for Citizens
Here’s how to stay connected and keep your civic team accountable—no matter where you live:
Find out who represents you. Visit your local government website or Ballotpedia.org to look up elected officials and their responsibilities.
Attend or stream one local meeting. City council, school board, or community forums—your presence matters. Check local listings at NOLA.gov or your city’s official site.
Track one issue you care about. Follow it through the year—budget decisions, public health initiatives, or environmental efforts. You can explore data and policy updates at The Data Center Research – New Orleans.
Join a neighborhood or advocacy group. Collaboration builds pressure and progress.
Contact your officials. Send an email or make a call to share your priorities and ask for updates on promises made. USA.gov has an easy directory of local, state, and federal contact