Action Tips: Participate in Local Politics

Think the presidential election is the only reason to vote in the U.S.?

Make Sure To Register

Make sure you’re registered to vote. If you want to register for a party (which some states require in order to vote in primaries), research which party best suits you. If you're not ready to commit, just declare yourself unaffiliated.

Senators and Congressmen

Next, make sure you know who your senators and congressmen and women are. Is there an election coming up for one of them? Check their websites to find out.

Then speak up, if you have something to tell them or want something changed, let your elected officials know! Remember, they work for you!

State offices

Stay up-to-date on the issues that affect you and upcoming votes by visiting your state’s election office.

Town and city offices

Do you know who your mayor is? How about your town’s treasurer? Auditor?

Search for your city or town’s website to find out who these key officials are and what they do.

Town hall meetings

Check your newspaper and government websites for local committee or town hall meetings. At the meeting, listen and soak in some info, or voice your opinion on the issues being discussed.

Get to know your government

Take political engagement to the next level and volunteer or intern at the mayor's office, local courthouse, or your congressmen’s district office.

Student Government

Your school is as local as you can get. A student government rep learns how a government works from the inside-out and makes decisions that helps fellow students. Find out about student government at your school. If your school doesn’t have a student government, rally some like-minded kids, talk to a teacher or coach at your school and get it started! You can’t expect others to care about the issues if you don’t too!