Election Day isn’t just a “big deal” every four years. While presidential elections get the spotlight, off-year elections (odd-numbered years), like the one happening tomorrow, shape policies closer to home. From state governor and judicial races to ballot measures that impact schools and taxes, what happens in these “quieter” years can have loud consequences. Everyone loves the party game “Two Truths and a Lie.” Can you identify which of the following statements about off-year elections is a lie?
A. Judicial races on off-year ballots can influence how state laws are interpreted for decades.
B. Voter turnout is significantly lower in off-year elections, even though the stakes are still high.
C. Off-year elections only affect local issues and have no impact on national politics.
Let’s take these statements one at a time:
A. TRUTH! In many states, voters elect judges during off-year elections. These judges serve long terms and rule on state constitutional, civil, criminal and family law issues, making state courts the primary venue where most Americans interact with the justice system. More than 95% of all legal cases in the U.S. are handled at the state level. This means that the judges elected in off-year state judicial races often wield more direct influence over people’s lives than federal courts do. Their impact can shape how laws are interpreted and enforced for decades, setting binding legal state precedent.
B. TRUTH! Voter turnout in off-year elections, those that don’t coincide with presidential or midterm congressional elections, is consistently and significantly lower than in high-profile election years. As a result, a small fraction of the electorate is deciding issues that affect everyone. This is especially concerning given the high stakes: Off-year elections often determine key leadership positions such as governor or mayor, legislative seats, state courts, school boards, and the outcome of important ballot measures. Despite the lower visibility, the outcomes of these elections are no less impactful; in fact, because fewer people vote, each ballot carries even more weight.
C. LIE! While off-year elections don’t feature presidential candidates, they do send powerful signals about the national mood, and political parties, donors, and strategists pay close attention. Wins or losses in state and local races can shift momentum, shape narratives heading into midterms or presidential cycles, and even spark changes in party strategy. For example, Virginia’s 2021 election, where Republicans flipped the governorship, previewed messaging themes that later echoed nationwide. Likewise, ballot outcomes and statehouse shifts in odd-numbered years can influence federal policy debates by showing what issues are resonating with voters on the ground.
Bottom Line
Off-year elections may fly under the radar, but they carry real weight that will shape local leadership, legal landscapes, and even national political momentum. Skipping these “quiet” elections means missing your chance to influence the issues and policies that affect everyday life. So although the calendar says it’s an off-year, remember that your vote counts even more than you think.