The 2020 election is over, and if you’re anything like me, you have plenty of built-up energy from voting, talking politics, and seeing far too many political ads on Youtube. While elections are the most common ways to participate in democracy, there are plenty of other things you can do year-round to make sure your voice is being heard.
- Write to your Congresspeople.
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Your congressmen and women are there to represent YOU, so make sure your voice is being heard! Send an email, a physical letter, or a message through this site (for the House) or this one (for the Senate). Don’t expect an answer right away, but the more messages we write, the more our representatives will know what we want to see in government.
- Phonebank.
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This election may be over, but in upcoming years, phone banking is a great way to get out support for your candidate. Simply google “phone bank (your candidate)” and it’s almost certain someone has a site for you to sign up. Plus, you can do a lot of these calls and texts completely self-scheduled, which makes it incredibly easy to squeeze in no matter how busy your schedule may be.
- Protest or march.
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Protesting has been an integral part of American democracy for many years, and it is an effective way to capture the attention of others and fight for your beliefs. Recent years have only proven this more, take a look at the Women’s Marches or Black Lives Matter protests. Please remember, protesting is important, but so is your personal safety! If you go to a protest, make sure you have a safety plan and comply with all covid measures for your city. Use the buddy system and be sure to send a friend or family member updates in case of an emergency.
- Get your friends and family registered to vote.
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Again, this election is over, but midterms are closer than they seem, and there are local elections every year. Help your friends and family who are over eighteen get registered online or in person so they have plenty of time to start doing their research for the next round! Plus, in states like Colorado, you can register when you’re sixteen or older, so talk to your high school friends or younger siblings, too.
- Get involved at the local level.
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It’s easy to feel small in such a big country during our general election, but there are plenty of ways for you to get involved in your community. Research your local offices, volunteer, or join an organization that will help you learn more about democracy in your community. At CU, there are plenty of resources and clubs to learn about how democracy works through small offices and organizations.
I hope these suggestions inspired you to stay involved in democracy all year long, not just on Election Day! Participation in democracy is crucial to achieving change, so go out there and make your voice heard!