When people think about elections, the focus often lands on the November general election. 

But long before the general election arrives, primary elections are already shaping what choices voters will ultimately have on the ballot and who will help guide the future of their communities. 

The June 9 primary election is an opportunity to: 

• Influence everyday decisions: Local elections influence business growth, workforce development, housing, infrastructure, public safety, education, taxes and long-term community planning. Many of the decisions people experience most directly are made at the local and state level, making primary elections one of the most important opportunities voters have to influence the direction of their communities. 
• Determine who advances: For voters across Fargo, West Fargo, Horace, the broader Cass County and state of North Dakota, this election will help determine which candidates advance to the November ballot and who will be part of decisions that directly affect everyday life across the region. 

In recent years, many local elected positions like mayor, school board, city commissioners and others have been elected with less than 20% of voters casting a ballot. In many races, the primary election may effectively decide the outcome before the general election even takes place. 

That’s why understanding the ballot before Election Day is important. 

To help voters better understand what’s on the ballot ahead of the June 9 primary election, The Chamber’s Center for Civic Engagement launched VoteFMWF.org, a nonpartisan voter resource for Fargo, West Fargo, Horace, Cass County and North Dakota. 

What is a primary election? 

A primary election is used to determine which candidates will move forward to the general election ballot. Depending on the race and election structure, voters may narrow the field to a smaller group of candidates who will advance to November. 

For some offices, especially in areas where one party historically dominates or where races are nonpartisan, the primary can become the most consequential stage of the election cycle. 

Primary elections also tend to see lower voter turnout than general elections, meaning a relatively small number of voters can have a significant impact on the outcome. 

Why local races deserve attention 

National elections often dominate headlines, but local races frequently have a more immediate effect on daily life. 

City commissions, school boards, county leadership, park boards and state legislative races all influence decisions tied to growth, infrastructure, workforce needs, economic development and quality of life across the region. 

These elected officials help shape decisions about: 

• Community growth and development  
• Transportation and infrastructure  
• Public safety and emergency services  
• Housing and zoning  
• Workforce and economic competitiveness  
• Taxes and public investment  
• Education and community resources  

The people elected into these positions help determine how communities respond to challenges, invest in priorities and plan for the future. 

Being informed matters 

One of the biggest barriers voters face is simply knowing where to find reliable, easy-to-understand information about what is on their ballot. 

Researching candidates, understanding races and finding voting information can quickly become overwhelming, especially when information is spread across multiple websites and sources. 

That’s part of why VoteFMWF.org was created. 

As part of The Chamber’s Center for Civic Engagement, the platform helps voters across Fargo, West Fargo, Horace, Cass County and North Dakota more easily access nonpartisan election information ahead of the June 9 primary election.  

Minnesota information coming soon for the August 11 primary election.  

The resource allows voters to: 

• Learn about candidates and local races  
• Access voting information and important election dates  
• Understand what races, offices and issues may appear on their ballot  
• Find election-related resources in one place (i.e. polling times and locations) 

The goal is to help voters feel more informed and prepared before heading to the polls. 

Civic engagement starts before Election Day 

Voting is one of the most impactful ways people can participate in shaping their communities. 

But meaningful civic engagement starts before a ballot is cast. It starts with taking time to understand the issues, learn about the candidates and recognize how local decisions connect to the future of the region. 

As the June 9 primary election approaches, now is the time to start preparing. 

Explore the candidates, review what’s on the ballot and make a plan to vote. 

Start exploring election resources at VoteFMWF.org.