Turnout figures for recent L.A. city elections show people aren’t naturally excited about local politics. It’s always worth noting that the choices voters make in these “small” elections are crucial because local government can affect people’s lives in bigger ways than state or federal government does.

L.A. needs outside voices in City Hall, so give all of the candidates a look. Candidate lists are available at http://clerk.lacity.org/elections/candidates, and fundraising information and links to candidates’ campaign literature is at https://ethics.lacity.org/campaignfinance.cfm.