Politics have a direct impact on the lives of citizens everywhere. And while national politics are important, local politics are often overlooked, even though they are equally significant. Here are some ways that you can create political change in your community.
1. Research Your Local Elected Officials
Research the names, values, and political records of politicians and lawmakers in your community. This will help you determine who to vote for during the next election. It will also allow you to keep tabs on those that you support to make sure that they are staying true to their principles.
2. Educate Yourself
Keep yourself up to date on local, national, and international politics when possible. You can do this by watching the news or reading political articles and publications from well-respected sources. If you do not have time to watch television or to sit down and read in your everyday life, you can also listen to political podcasts and radio shows on the go. Some news broadcasts livestream their content via audio platforms, such as Sirius XM.
3. Volunteer Your Time
Performing volunteer work will encourage you to demonstrate the importance of political engagement through your interactions with community members. This may prompt them to get involved, as well. Common ways of volunteering include helping with voter registration and working at a polling location. Some communities also designate volunteers to chauffeur people to and from local polling places.
4. Work for a Campaign
Working for a campaign is a great way to dive head-first into your community’s political scene. You will also gain a lot of valuable hands-on, grassroots experience this way. If you are interested in joining a campaign, select a candidate whose platform closely aligns with the change you want to see in the world and help them make a difference.
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5. Run for Office
After you have acquired an in-depth understanding of local government and how it works, you may want to consider running your own campaign during the next local election cycle. Running for office will give you a chance to advocate for the issues you care about. And, if you win, you can create policies to address those inequities.
Many prospective politicians, such as Boulder City Council candidate Steven Rosenblum, run for city council or for the local school board to kickstart their political careers. After several successful elections, you can try to ascend to higher levels of government, or you can continue to serve at the local level.
6. Vote for Every Election
Ensuring that your voice is heard at the ballot box is one of the most powerful ways to effect change in your community. And casting your vote during every election cycle, for all levels of government, will ensure that this change is ongoing.
If you are not able to visit a polling location because of a disability, contact your local election officials to arrange for an absentee ballot or for adequate transportation.
Grassroots political action is the foundation of our democracy. By dedicating some time to one or more of the tasks mentioned above, you can greatly impact your local community.