What’s on the Ballot? Why Your Participation in the Election Matters
Why Voter Turnout in Elections Matter
In Louisiana’s last major election, voter turnout was only 58%—one of the lowest rates in the country. In smaller, local elections, turnout is even lower. On October 11, 2025, New Orleanians will again head to the polls. Some will vote early, some on Election Day—but far too many will sit this election out.
When you don’t vote, you give away your power—the power to shape policies that affect your daily life, your family’s well-being, and the future of your community.
Elections Are About More Than Personalities
Too often, elections are reduced to personalities: who we like, who we don’t, who disappointed us. But elections are not just about individuals—they are about policies. Elections are about you exercising your power—your voice—to choose executive, legislative, and in some cases, judicial leaders at the federal, state, and local levels who enact public policies that affect your everyday life experiences and the quality of those experiences. The purpose of elections is to select leaders and representatives! And who gets to choose? Everyone who meets the voting criteria. So don’t throw your power away.
When we choose not to participate, it dilutes our power and ability to influence policies that impact us. Essentially, participating in elections is like giving you a mic connected to a loudspeaker with surround sound. Our democratic process is intended to cast a wide net, allowing a broad range of people to participate in choosing who gets elected. You get to have a say in public issues, important matters, and hold politicians accountable for their performance. Voting is your impact on community policies. More on that later. Let’s talk about…
What’s Really on the Ballot in New Orleans?
This election, New Orleanians will choose leaders who directly influence health and equity across the city:
Mayor: Sets the vision and direction of city government.
City Council Members: Pass laws, shape budgets, and set policies.
Sheriff: Oversees public safety and corrections.
Assessor: Determines property values, which affect housing affordability and local funding.
Parishwide Home Rule Charter Amendments: Shape how our government functions.
Each of these positions and measures impacts our daily lives—and our health.
How Local Elections Affect Public Health
Local policies aren’t abstract—they show up in our neighborhoods, schools, and homes every single day. Policies decide the conditions in which we live, work, and raise our families. And because those conditions affect our homes, schools, environment, and health, elections are directly tied to public health and community wellness. Here’s how:
Environmental Health
Decisions about where businesses operate and how waste is managed affect the air we breathe and the water we drink. Poor policies can increase rates of asthma, cancer, and other illnesses.
Economic Health
Property valuations impact affordable housing and property taxes—which in turn fund schools and city services. These economic decisions shape stability and opportunity in our neighborhoods.
Public Health and Safety
Violence, crime, and domestic abuse are not only criminal justice issues—they are public health issues. Elected officials decide how much funding goes to prevention, treatment, and mental health services.
Education and Opportunity
Strong education policies help children grow into healthier, more engaged citizens. Leaders we elect determine the resources schools and after-school programs receive.
Why October 11, 2025, Is More Than a Date
When you don’t vote, you allow others to decide:
What air we breathe
What wages we earn
What healthcare and education our families receive
What opportunities our children have
That’s why October 11 is more than just an election date—it’s an opportunity to demand leaders who prioritize health and equity.
Early Voting in New Orleans
You don’t have to wait until Election Day to make your voice heard. There’s still time for you to vote early. Early voting runs from September 27 through October 4, 2025.
Check your registration, find your polling place, and make your voting plan today. 👉 Visit the Louisiana Secretary of State Elections website.
Your Voice, Your Vote, Your Health
What’s really on the ballot this October?
Your family’s health.
Your neighbor’s future.
Our collective well-being as a city.
Your voice matters. Your vote matters. And this October, New Orleans needs you.