As the United States approaches the upcoming election cycle, several local and state races are drawing attention for their potential to shape policies on immigration enforcement, technology regulation, election administration, and abortion access.

While national headlines often dominate political coverage, experts note that down-ballot contests frequently have a more direct effect on voters’ daily lives. Daniel Nichanian, founder and editor in chief of the nonprofit newsroom Bolts, highlights key local races that reflect broader political trends and shifting public concerns.

One focal point this year is the role of local law enforcement in federal immigration enforcement. Following aggressive Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions during the previous administration, there has been renewed voter scrutiny of sheriffs and municipal officials who collaborate with ICE. For example, the fallout from ICE raids in Whittier, California, dramatically increased turnout in local elections earlier this year, resulting in the defeat of a longtime Republican mayor and a shift toward a liberal majority on the city council. Similar challenges to ICE-aligned sheriffs are occurring in places like Alamance County, North Carolina, where a long-serving sheriff faces an independent challenger amid accusations of racial profiling and a federal investigation.

Local officials’ cooperation with ICE—including decisions about whether to inquire into immigration status during routine policing or lease jail space for immigrant detention—can significantly impact communities. Some candidates, particularly Democrats in competitive states such as Wisconsin, have pledged to end contracts with ICE as part of their campaigns.

Technology is also an increasingly prominent issue on local ballots, with more than 40 measures concerning data centers and surveillance systems set for voter consideration. In states like Ohio and Georgia, communities have approved bans or restrictions on data center construction amid concerns over environmental and infrastructure impacts. Democrats have leveraged this issue in competitive races such as the Georgia Public Service Commission elections, aiming to flip the board’s majority.

Surveillance technology, including automated license plate readers from companies like Flock, faces growing bipartisan opposition as privacy concerns mount. Several local referendums aim to restrict or ban such cameras, including votes scheduled in York, Maine, and proposals from mayoral candidates in St. Petersburg, Florida. These debates have permeated city council races nationwide, affecting policy discussions in cities governed by both Democrats and Republicans.

Abortion access remains a critical issue in state elections following the 2022 Supreme Court decision that ended federal protections. State legislatures and courts now play pivotal roles in determining abortion law. For instance, North Carolina’s Republican-led legislature passed a ban in 2023, but Democrats hope to reverse it if they gain control. Voters will also decide abortion-related ballot measures in Idaho, Missouri, Nevada, and Virginia, covering bans, reinstatements, and constitutional protections. State judicial races further influence abortion rights, as courts have issued landmark rulings and justices favorable to abortion access face retention votes.

In at least 35 states, voters will elect secretaries of state or other chief election officials responsible for overseeing the 2028 elections. Some Republican candidates in key swing states such as Arizona and Nevada have openly questioned the legitimacy of the 2020 election results, proposing stricter voting requirements. Georgia’s secretary of state race is also expected to be competitive, with the GOP nominee disputing some election procedures despite not outright denying the 2020 outcome. Polling on these down-ballot contests remains limited but suggests potential Democratic advantages in certain states.

Voters will also weigh changes to election laws through referendums addressing gerrymandering, voter identification, campaign finance, and voting rights restoration. Notably, Virginia faces a measure to end a longstanding constitutional provision that disenfranchises people with felony convictions for life—a rule with origins in early 20th-century discriminatory policies.

Finally, state governments may see shifts in party control this year, with Democrats having a chance to secure full legislative and gubernatorial control (known as trifectas) in Arizona, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin—states where that has rarely occurred recently. Republicans, meanwhile, could gain trifectas in Arizona, Kansas, and Wisconsin. Such changes could influence policies on labor rights, education, and election regulations.

These diverse issues underscore the significance of local and state elections in shaping governance and policy across the country. As Nichanian observes, understanding who holds power locally is essential, given that many important decisions about daily life and democracy are made well beyond the national spotlight.