Local governments represent democracy in its purest sense. Local representatives live within a relatively short distance of their constituents who are part of the activities of the town, city, or county they represent. 

The decisions made at a local level have a direct effect on the daily lives of all those around them, and many students here at the University have taken the initiative to become involved in local politics. 

Ches McDowell, a junior in political science, said his interest in local politics started at a very early age .  

“When I was very young, my parents took me to all kinds of politic stuff,” McDowell said. “We’re a very political family, but it wasn’t really until I got to college that I got super involved in the party.”

McDowell said he became president of the College Republicans organization and worked on every campaign on the 2008 ballot, from McCain to the city council. 

“I’ve met all kinds of great people,” he said. “With my job that I’m in now at the General Assembly, I’ve really learned a lot about campaigning in elections.  That’s a lot more than you’ll ever learn sitting in a classroom.”

Clay Pittman, a junior in political science, said the excitement of last year’s presidential election really got him interested in becoming involved with the College Democrats organization on campus.

“Through them, I started getting more involved in the local government,” he said.

Pittman began working as an assistant campaign manager for Stan Norwalk, a Wake County commissioner, and interned on the Barack Obama campaign. Not much later Pittman became president of the College Democrats.

Madison Shook, a junior in political science, began interning for the N.C. Republican Party last fall, which really motivated her to further her involvement at the local level.  On Feb. 25, she filed for N.C. House of Representatives District 38. 

She said she was interested in running for public office since an early age.

“With the recent issues facing our great state and nation, I have expedited that ambition and have filed for candidacy in the 38th district. This district is my home and I have a great interest not only as a resident, but as a student,” Shook said in her press release.  

All three students stressed the importance of local politics and the importance of getting involved.  

Pittman said local governments have a more direct impact on the lives of citizens than the federal government does.

“The small local government races are really where true chance gets made,” he said.

Shook said she agrees.  

“It starts from the ground up,” Shook said. “If you have influence at the local level, you’ll have influence at the state level and then national level.”

McDowell said his experiences at the General Assembly and seeing how the other political party operates have changed his perspective of politics. He said involvement with local politics is necessary for anyone trying to get somewhere in the political realm.

“You get a lot more experience and a lot more understanding of the system through involvement in [local politics],” he said.

McDowell said the first thing politically-interested students usually do is join either the College Republicans or College Democrats organization.

“That offers the best opportunity to get involved in campaigns and move their way up,” he said.

Pittman said his proudest moment was on the day of the presidential election between Barack Obama and John McCain, when he and other students were handing out campaign literature in rainy weather beginning as early as 5 a.m.

“I remember watching the returns coming in last year and on CNN they zoomed in on Wake County. They were looking at the work we were doing here and how it was affecting the national race,” he said. “That was really a gratifying moment and got me involved.” 

Shook said running for a public office has definitely been a tough but rewarding experience.

“I’m a full-time student, I work on my campaign full-time and I also work for Frank Roche who’s running for U.S. Congress in 4th district,” she said.  

“It’s a tough fight,” Shook said. “But it’s been the greatest experience.”