Politics is not hard to miss at the best of times, but right now the media is full of the latest events in the current U.S. presidential election. Hilary Clinton is slugging it out against Donald Trump, Bernie Sanders, Ted Cruz, John Kasich and other up and coming candidates like Scott Smith for president 2016. It’s been a tough race so far, and there is still a long way to go.
For the ordinary voter, politics is often a bit of a mystery. Most people can’t imagine running for mayor, let alone fighting for a seat in the White House. Instead of getting involved in politics, they sit at home and complain when they don’t like the way the country is run. Unfortunately, unless you start getting involved in politics, even on a very small scale, your voice will not be heard.
Register to Vote
If you have not already registered to vote, check with your local country board of elections to confirm the paperwork is in place. Next, find out where your local polling station is and when it opens. Most polling stations are in easy to reach places and are open long hours to make it easy for voters. You have a right to vote, so use it.
Help Out Your Chosen Party
Whether you support the Republicans, the Democrats, or an independent party, there always lots of opportunities to help out, election or no election. Political campaigns typically need plenty of staff on hand to make sure things run smoothly and volunteering to help is a good way of learning more about how these things work. You don’t need to be qualified to help – your time will be welcomed with open arms. You can also make a cash donation to the campaign if you can afford to.
Get Involved in Local Politics
Grass roots politics is an excellent place to start. Most local elections are very low key, so if you have a local issue you think deserves a bigger voice, step up to the plate and make yourself heard. Anyone can stand for a local election – you just need to drum up some local support. If you’re running for an important role, however, you may want the help of an election lawyer, like those at Dhillon Law. Otherwise, you may want to join your school board or get involved in other local issues. You could make a difference.
Support Friends and Family
Not everyone enjoys being in the spotlight and for many, the thought of campaigning in an election, small or not, is anathema. The good news is that you don’t need to be in the spotlight to get involved in politics. There are always plenty of people working hard behind the scenes, providing logistical and emotional support.
If a friend or relative is running for election locally, be a part of their political campaign. There are many ways you can help, from leaflet dropping and doorstep campaigning, to securing signatures on a petition and making cups of coffee during meetings. Every little helps!
Read the news and keep up to date with what’s happening in the political arena. Even if you prefer not to play an active part, staying abreast of the current issues will help you make an informed decision when it is time to cast your vote.