How to stay politically engaged between election cycles

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At every election, voters cast their votes to have a say in the governments that adopt and implement the many policies that shape their lives.

But democratic participation does not have to end on election night. There are countless ways to stay politically engaged, advocate for the changes you want to see, and continue to influence the policymaking process, even beyond voting.

Community advocates, political scientists, candidates and politicians say democracy offers many more ways to participate than just voting.

First understand the system.

Respecting the outcome of the electoral process is crucial to maintaining a democracy.

“That’s the democratic process,” said Renee Henderson Earls, CEO of the Odessa Chamber of Commerce. “We go to the polls and elect someone. It may not be the person you voted for, but it is what the majority voted for.”

Citizen engagement within our democratic institutions is critical to ensuring that these institutions can best serve their communities, said Karthik Soora, a former teacher and Democratic candidate for the Texas Senate.

“Democracy requires an active system. Every individual is the foundation on which democracy is built,” Soora said. “The government will not make progress if we do not make progress.”

For example, citizens can witness and participate in the redrawing of political districts, which takes place every ten years after the U.S. census.

“There are ways that we as citizens can be involved in the process other than your candidate winning all the time,” said Brandon Rottinghouse, a political science professor at the University of Houston.

The democratic institutions of local, state, and federal government also provide many ways for individuals to have a say in what happens in their communities, even if individuals may not feel represented in every part or level of government. For example, at the local level there are many governing bodies that people can follow and participate in, such as municipal councils, provincial commissioners, school boards and other governing bodies. special purpose districts.

“Local government provides many access points for people who want to follow what’s happening in their community,” Rottinghouse said. “By participating in local government, people get a sense of how these organizations routinely handle their affairs, and the types of tasks they perform.”

Moreover, the election of new office holders does not always mean that policy will change immediately. Whether at the local, state, or national level, it often takes a long time for policy to change, and the political process usually involves a complex network of people beyond just those who are elected, such as advocacy groups from the community, lobbyists and political donors which may have an excessive influence.

“It’s kind of difficult for a new president, congressman or senator to come in and immediately start implementing the policies they want,” said Jared Lovelace, a Republican former candidate in the U.S. House of Representatives who represents the 10th Congressional District of Texas represents.

Get involved in community organizations or advocacy groups

Becoming part of community organizations allows people to connect regardless of their political beliefs. In community groups, people can advocate for needs in their community or send a message about larger policy interests.

Liz Silva, a member of a parent-teacher organization in the Houston school district, said people often don’t understand how much of an impact they can have locally.

“There may not be opportunities to address big political issues, but there are certainly small things that make community life better,” Silva said.

Engage with elected officials

Henderson, the CEO of the Odessa Chamber of Commerce, has found that elected officials at every level of government can be open to listening to people and answering questions.

Communicating with local and state officials can be as simple as writing letters, visiting their offices or attending town hall meetings. Texans can also participate in the state’s legislative process every odd year by showing up to testify at hearings, speaking to lawmakers or protesting at the Texas Capitol.

“Expressing your opinion on a particular issue, or how you feel about a bill or law that is about to be voted on, goes a long way. What usually happens is that staffers or elected officials keep track of how many people bring up certain issues,” Lovelace said.

It may take several years of dedication, but Texans have done just that successfully made a difference by showing up at the Capitol to defeat or support legislation of all kinds.

Texans can easily find their representatives and their respective contact information through government websites such as Who represents me And US Gov and that of the Texas Tribune directory of state elected officials. Read more tips about testifying at the Texas Capitol here and see how you can testify here.

State Rep. Erin Zweiner, a Democrat from Driftwood, says even one or two emails from a citizen can prompt her office to pay attention to a local issue.

“Voters who reach out can really have a loud voice with their elected officials in the Texas House,” she said.

Communicating one’s needs is the only way a representative can know specifically what is bothering a community, or what issues need to be addressed, and is an essential part of democracy.

“The representatives may not change their minds, but pushing back a little will ensure that the democratic process happens and that they think about your needs,” Lovelace said.

Attend local government meetings

One of the simplest but important things you can do to get involved locally is to be part of community and government meetings, especially local meetings where elected leaders decide all kinds of things such as property tax rates, development policies and the day-to-day operations of schools and communities

“School board meetings, town hall meetings, they’re all low-hanging fruit that you just have to show up for,” Lovelace said. “If you have something to say, please post a comment, leave a note or contact one of our elected officials.”

Individuals can find details about their city council meetings through the city’s official website. Meeting times and locations are public information. Additionally, Texans can check their city, county or school board website for information on how to register to speak at a city council meeting. Many cities, school boards, and local governments also have committees or commissions that local residents can be appointed or volunteer to join to provide input on how local governments can address specific problems.

Being part of the conversation means representing your ideas and beliefs, whether you want to express what needs to change or what is working well. “We participate in democracy and our political system by showing up,” Soora said.

Consider running for office

Although sometimes disappointing, elections offer a wide variety of Texans and citizens the opportunity to actively shape government and communities.

“People need to realize that sometimes to solve the problem they have to intervene. Maybe consider taking on a role somewhere in an elected position in your community,” said Henderson.

Soora argues that well-resourced attorneys are overrepresented in local and state offices, who could benefit from the participation of everyday Texans.

“The law is great, but we also need teachers, nurses, postal workers, people who understand the needs of people who don’t have a college degree or don’t necessarily have a high level of employment or don’t have access to health care. he said.

Congressional elections occur every two years, and elections for state and county offices occur every even-numbered year. Several local elections take place every year. Many state and local governments are organized similarly to the U.S. government, with legislative, executive, and judicial officials. In Texas, state and local judges are also elected. Based on the eligibility criteria, individuals can run for office, including school board, state legislature, city councils, representatives and council members.

Rottinghouse believes there is no better way to understand how government works than to get involved and run for office.

“It gives you insight into who the local power players are, what issues concern the public and how politics works from within,” says the associate professor.