Government has four levels
Each level has specific, limited powers. As you move from federal to local, the decisions get closer to your daily life — but the number of people who vote drops dramatically. Click any role to see exactly what they control.
Federal Government
State Government
County Government
Town Government
Federal Government
Washington, D.C.
Sets national policy. Far away. Slow to change.
🏛️
President of the United States
1 person, elected every 4 years
Moderate daily impact↓
🏛️
U.S. Congress
535 members — Senate (100) + House of Representatives (435)
Moderate daily impact↓
State Government
Raleigh, NC
Sets the rules that counties and cities must follow.
🏛️
NC Governor
1 person, elected every 4 years
High daily impact↓
⚖️
NC General Assembly
170 members — Senate (50) + House (120), elected by district
High daily impact↓
📚
State Superintendent of Schools
1 person, elected statewide every 4 years
High daily impact↓
County Government
Iredell County
Controls your taxes, emergency services, and county-wide resources.
💼
Board of Commissioners
5 members elected countywide to 4-year terms
Highest daily impact↓
⭐
Sheriff
1 person elected countywide to a 4-year term
Highest daily impact↓
📋
Clerk of Superior Court
1 person elected countywide to a 4-year term
High daily impact↓
🏠
Register of Deeds
1 person elected countywide to a 4-year term
High daily impact↓
🎓
ISS Board of Education
7 members elected by district to 4-year terms
Highest daily impact↓
Town Government
Mooresville, Troutman & other Iredell towns
Controls what happens on your street and in your neighborhood.
🏙️
Mayor
1 person elected townwide to a 4-year term
Highest daily impact↓
🏘️
Town Commissioner / Council Member
5–6 members elected by ward or at-large to 4-year staggered terms
Highest daily impact↓
🎒
MGSD School Board
5 members elected districtwide to 4-year staggered terms
Highest daily impact↓
Your vote matters most locally
In a presidential election, your vote is 1 in 150 million. In a school board election, it might be 1 in 500. The officials with the most direct power over your daily life are chosen by the fewest voters. That means your vote here carries more weight than almost anywhere else.
Meet your local officials →