You should vote for mayor

April 04, 2025

Many city governments are modeled after the United States federal government; they have an executive branch (the mayor and the city departments), a legislative branch (the city council or commission), and a judicial branch (the city courts system).

A majority of cities have a mayor at the helm, but the mayor’s role can vary greatly depending on the needs of the city. Some mayors are more like a chief executive officer, while others have a role on the city council to vote on city laws, and some simply hold a ceremonial role.

No matter the role of the mayor, they have the power to shape the vision of the city. They are the public face of the city, and that role has influence. Here are a few broad responsibilities they might fulfill:

Leading the City: Mayors are usually the face of the city. They build trust among residents, local businesses, and city agencies, and meet with other elected officials and community leaders. They may also be the ones making statements to the press on behalf of the city.

Setting Policy: Mayors might develop the public policy roadmap for the city, propose city laws, vote on the city council, set legislative schedules (deciding which proposals are heard and which are put on the backburner), and/or hold the power to reject (veto) proposed city laws.

Working with the City Council: The mayor may share governing power with the city council by voting on actions, or they may hold no formal role on the council. Either way, the mayor needs to build relationships with council members to ensure the city's needs are met.

Overseeing City Departments: When a law is passed, the city departments carry out the laws, and some mayors are tasked with overseeing this work.

Managing Workers: Some mayors have the ability to appoint or remove city managers, city personnel, or even city council members.

So, why should you vote for the mayor?

Mayors influence democracy. Mayors can increase the city’s budget for voter education or vote on election issues. For example, my city’s mayor and city commissioners voted to mail out vote-by-mail applications to all eligible voters in 2022.

Mayors set the budget, deciding where to prioritize spending. Budgeting largely influences the focus of the city.

Mayors propose or influence city laws. They can vote on where new housing developments are built or whether to support mental health initiatives.

Mayors oversee departments like the police or public works. They have a direct influence on your local police force and oversight on works like road repairs.

Mayors, as the leader of the city, make decisions that directly impact your day-to-day life, so a vote for them is powerful for your community.

City elections across the United States happen year-round, and it can be hard to know when one is coming up. The League of Women Voters’ voter information tool VOTE411.org is updated with upcoming election dates.

Not only that, local League groups across the country publish their voter guides on VOTE411. Simply enter your address to check if a voter guide is published in your area.

Take time to research the candidates who're running in your city. A vote for mayor is a vote for democracy.

SOURCE League of Women Voters