70% of Elections Went Uncontested in 2024. Meet the Movement Trying to Change That.
We’re loving the new InDecision: Take a Seat campaign, launched by The Daily Show and our friends at HeadCount, a nonpartisan nonprofit known for getting people registered to vote. This new initiative is flipping the script—asking not just “Are you voting?” but “Have you ever considered running?”
And here’s why it matters:
In the last election cycle, 70% of local and state races across the country were uncontested. This stat means the majority of voters didn’t even have a choice on who to select. No competition. No debate. Just a one-way ticket to leadership with no alternatives.
That’s where Take a Seat comes in. It’s a call to action for real people—yes, people like you and your neighbors—to consider stepping into local leadership roles. You don’t need to be a political insider or a policy wonk. You just need to care. And be willing to learn.
The campaign comes with a fantastic (and funny) video that makes the point better than we can:
▶️ Watch here
What we love about it:
It’s nonpartisan and accessible
It highlights how leadership starts at the local level
It reminds us that strong communities depend on reasonable candidates stepping up
At IGC Institute, we believe that healthy civic life starts with reasonable candidates, informed communities, and trust in our systems. This campaign checks all three boxes.
How you can help:
Share the video with your networks
Use it to kick off a team or community meeting
Encourage someone in your life to “take a seat” (maybe it’s you!)
Remember: change starts locally!
