What does ‘local’ mean anyway?
There are thousands of local governments in the United States. Local governments include counties (called parishes in some states), municipalities (cities, towns, and villages), and other government entities that aren’t part of state government but also don’t line up into county or municipal boundaries – things like school districts and regional utility or conservation districts. We also include local court systems here, since every state organizes their local courts a bit differently.
How to use the Genius Guides
For local judges, click on your state to get a breakdown of your local court system and all the types of elected judges that serve in your local courts.
The guides below are useful no matter what state you live in. You'll see additional information for Louisiana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. If your state isn’t there yet, check back often – we’ll be adding more in the future.
Judges of local courts
Virginia: judges are appointed, not elected
Other local elected officials
County Commissioners or Supervisors
County or City Controllers/Auditors
Coroners and Medical Examiners
City, Town, and Village Council Members
City Attorneys and Prosecutors
Polling Place Officials – Judge of Elections, Majority Inspector, and Minority Inspector
Local Utility District Commissioners