Tulsans Encourage One Another To Exercise Right To Vote During Local Elections

As people headed to the polls during August's election, voters said it was local elections that directly impacted their day-to-day lives. 

Aug. 27, 2024, was a day people in Tulsa would cast their ballot for some new faces to step into the city's leadership. “Today I came out and voted,” said Michael Flora. 

With city councilors, city charter amendments and the mayor on the ballot, people said elections like these have the most impact in our city.

“Everybody makes a big deal about the presidential election, but it really doesn't make much of a difference in my day-to-day life while the local elections really do. It impacts my state taxes, what direction the city is going, how much construction we're going to be dealing with, so for me, state elections are easily the most important thing we do,” Flora said. 

For some, it was about setting a good example for those around them, “our family, we always have sample ballots so that we're prepared, and we all encourage each other to make it a priority,” said Kathryn Hanson.

For others, they know it's a duty to everyone that lives here, “I figured it's important for everybody to vote. I mean we have our little issues about why we don't or why someone shouldn't, but it's still important to the whole,” said Michael Parker. 

And whether it's your 30th time voting or your first, Tulsans encourage one another to practice their right. 

“If you're a Tulsa resident and it's your first time voting, this is easily far more important than the presidential election so come on out here and make a change for your city,” said Flora.