The real value in voting

With Hillary Clinton well on her way to winning California, many are questioning the importance of their vote.

But a local mayor knows all too well how just one or two votes can make all the difference.

“When people say ‘oh my vote doesn’t count’ I immediately use myself as an example.”

Shelly Higginbotham has been the mayor of Pismo Beach for six years. However, in 2014, she beat out challenger Kevin Kreowski by the slimmest of margins, just two votes.

“It’s so important that you use that right to vote,” she says. “There are so many countries that strive and struggle for that right, and we make it so easy.”

Pointing out many of the decision that truly affect your day to day life will be made by those at your local city hall, not far away in Washington.

“Local government is where you can have the most impact, not only as an elected official, but as a resident, because you can pick up your phone and you can reach that elected official and let them know what your needs are.”

This includes where your water comes from, how safe the streets are, and how to spend local tax dollars. All decisions made by city councils, mayors, and supervisors.

Even outside of Central California and on a grander scale, razor-thin victories are not uncommon. In the 2008 senate race in Minnesota, Al Franken beat out Norm Coleman by less than 400 votes, out of the 2.4 million votes cast.

Proving when you visit the ballot box on November 8, you re picking so much more than just our next president.

“I really encourage people to never forget that every vote truly counts, and I am a living example.”