be energized and vote locally. these county and city elections are so small in terms of turnout you would be surprise how few votes it would take to swing them. if you someone gave me a ballot and said i could only vote for either national politicians or local politicians, but not both. i'm going with local every time. but the great thing about real life is that i don't have to choose, i can can vote for everyone. also my donations mean more to my local reps because they don't get that much money so they know who their donors are personally.
back to you first question. even a "recommendation/advisory" from the federal govt has impact because it lets these locals know that while we may not be able to stop you, we're watching you and you will slip up. having someone check your work can be impactful.
say that shyt again.
depending on where you live Judges are elected
we just had an election last year for DA [and our previous DA was a super devious bytch]
local elections absolutely effect your every day life.
your property taxes
your personal taxes
city ordinances
water and utility rates
the schools your kids go to
if megacorp xyz gets to open a haul your own trash facility next to your house
whether a redneck strip club can open across the street from your house and keep you awake with nosie and fukk up your parking
etc etc
vote.in.every.single.election.
from dogcatcher on up.
go see your local candidates speak
write/email/call their office
they work for us
also they are your future state bench
and then your future national bench
dont boo, vote.
cant complain that you dont like the choices
if you dont help select and influence what your choices are gonna consist of.