This past May, many NRV citizens went to the polls to cast their ballots. For most of these localities, newly elected and re-elected officials have been sworn in now. In Christiansburg, voters wait until September 1 to see new council members seated.
Besides voting, many NRV citizens are re-engaging in local government in other ways, too. Some have been pointed to as being single-focused or self serving, others encouraged, and a few taken to court.
Most people can agree having a higher voter turn out in all elections -- local, state or national -- is a good thing. Some localities have made changes to encourage this (Blacksburg), and others are discussing it (Radford, Giles, Pulaski).
Moving Christiansburg's elections from May to November was discussed at one candidate forum, and brought up on January 15 by a council member. Subsequently, council tasked it's attorney with identifying related changes to the Town Charter (to possibly have the change submitted to the General Assembly for approval). It hasn't yet come up for discussion again on council agendas. This could be attributed to council's failure to bother with timelines or due dates.
Apathy and complacency; however, should not be an option in a democracy so many have defended and fought to protect.
Not being informed or involved doesn't necessarily indicate people know about, or are pleased with, what elected officials are doing. Casting a vote doesn't give one the right to shrug off other responsibilities of being a United States citizen.
Many voters seem simply numbed by years of vitriolic rhetoric, abuses of trust by incumbents, or false obstacles -- such as open government with free access to complete, accurate information pertaining to matters which come before elected bodies.
These are the types of issues creating new activists who are engaging on local, state and national levels. If you do not agree with their opinions or efforts, there's a solution available.
Attend local meetings. Track state and federal legislation. Vote, every time you have this opportunity (not just once, maybe, every four years). Email, write, call or visit your elected officials. Search the web for citizen resources and government sites. Seek to understand the issues -- and think it over. Then share your informed opinion with elected officials. Before you know it, another activist and true citizen will have been created, protecting our "representative" form of government.