This article is part of U.S. Democracy Day, a nationwide collaborative on Sept. 15, the International Day of Democracy, in which news organizations cover how democracy works and the threats it faces. To learn more, visit usdemocracyday.org.

Simplified: Sioux Falls Simplified is joining news outlets nationwide to recognize the importance of democracy. Here's what that means on a hyperlocal level.

First, what is Democracy Day?

Democracy Day is a national – and international – effort to recognize the importance of democracy, how it works, and what's keeping it from working well.

  • I should note, technically Democracy Day was yesterday (Sept. 15), but who checks their emails on a Sunday, right??

Democracy, at its core, is a system in which people have the power to influence change through their freely elected representatives.

What does that mean for Sioux Falls?

The decision-makers in Sioux Falls are freely elected to represent the people who live here. That's true at the school board, city, county, state and federal levels.

What's threatening democracy in Sioux Falls right now?

Lack of participation and civic engagement.

Voter turnout is abysmally low (less than 8% of voters turned out in the last City Council election). That means a remarkably small percentage of the population is making decisions that affect everyone who lives here.

Additionally, very few people take an active role in publicly sharing their thoughts about how local government operates.

  • We see this in things like public input at local government meetings, where it's not uncommon to have only a couple of people speak on any given decision – if anyone shows up at all.

Another way democracy is challenged in Sioux Falls is the lack of people running for office.

  • In the last City Council election, for example, two of the four available council seats were won by people who ran unopposed.
  • Similarly, at the state level, a large number of statehouse races are decided in the primary election because of a lack of candidates in opposing parties.

What can I do to promote democracy in Sioux Falls?

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Pay attention. It's as simple as reading the news.

  • Sioux Falls Simplified aims to be a free, accessible resource to help you feel informed and empowered to participate in shaping the future of our community.
Bonus points if you support our work financially

Show up.

  • Turn up to vote on Election Day. Attend a local public meeting. Join a local city board or committee.

Speak up.

  • Your voice matters and deserves to be heard. Don't shy away from reaching out to public officials to share your thoughts and experiences.

Thank you for your support, your readership and your commitment to making this city better.