The 2020 presidential election set a record for voter turnout with almost two-thirds of eligible voters voting. Exercising the right to vote gives citizens a foothold in the democratic process, letting them choose the leaders they want. Moving forward, it’s important for American campaigns, both at the national and local level, to continue to see civic engagement and high voter turnout. However, while voting is paramount, it is also very important that citizens participate in their democracy. Here are some manageable ways to stay civically engaged when there’s not an election.
1. Engage in civic dialogue
Political polarization has made it challenging for individuals to engage in conversations about politics with someone that supports another candidate or party. Before shutting yourself off from any of the opposition’s ideas, try to find common ground with people of different beliefs. It is difficult fostering productive dialogue when one is scared of being judged for their political beliefs and party. Disagreement is healthy because it fosters important conversations, exposing you to opposing views, but forming a negative opinion on the other person before the conversation has even started isn’t productive. The goal of these conversations shouldn’t be to convert someone to your side, but rather to take an opportunity to listen to the other party and maybe even understand their point of view.
It can be difficult to thrust yourself into politically-charged conversations, but there are other ways to engage with civic dialogue. For example, there are tons of articles, studies, and YouTube videos featuring conversations between Republicans and Democrats, which could help you better understand why an individual from an opposing party might support a specific candidate or policy.
2. Educate yourself on important issues
Social media has been helpful in spreading awareness of global issues and encouraging more individuals to get out and vote. However, it has also catalyzed the spread of misinformation and false data, making it hard to discern fact from myth. Beyond social platforms, take the time to learn about specific policies or problems through news, podcasts, or informational videos.
Certain sources will lean more Democratic or more Republican, which is why it’s important to read a variety of articles and sources before forming an opinion on a particular topic. If it’s hard to section off time to catch up on the news, consider listening to podcasts such as FiveThirtyEight or NPR when you’re driving or working out to save time.
Having a greater understanding of what the problems are can help you devise solutions or spread awareness in your local community by bringing up these issues at school board meetings or city council meetings.
3. Hold administrations accountable
At the federal level and the local level, it can be challenging for elected officials to know exactly how their constituents feel about certain policies and issues unless citizens use existing channels for communication. At the local level, share your views at city council meetings or draft a letter to your local official. At the federal level, call out unjustified actions on social media, start or sign important petitions, join committees and grassroots organizations dedicated to fighting injustices, and safely attend any local protests if you can.
4. Georgia senate runoff election
The Georgia runoff election determines which party takes control of the Senate. If the Senate turns Democratic, President Joe Biden will have an easier time carrying out a more progressive policy agenda. However, if the Senate stays Republican, there will be pushback on Biden’s progressive policies, possibly resulting in a more centrist political agenda that requires more compromise. This could also lead to greater gridlock making it hard for both parties to pass laws.
Though we can’t vote in the Georgia runoff election, we can encourage anyone we know who lives in Georgia to cast their ballots and continue raising awareness on the importance of voting through social media platforms such as Instagram and Twitter.
5. Vote in midterm elections
Midterm elections take place two years after every presidential election and have historically had lower voter turnout than presidential elections. Midterm elections seem to pale in comparison to voting for the next president, but they’re just as important. Beyond local elections, which can take place any year, midterm elections determine which party controls the two chambers in Congress. If the party controlling Congress differs from the president’s party, it can be hard for elected officials to enact the policies they want whereas when the parties are the same, it’s a lot easier for the president to follow the political agenda they promised during their campaign.
Beyond Congress, state and local elections can take place at any time in any year, and it’s important you vote in those local elections. Due to proximity, local elected officials and the policies they pass can likely impact you and your community to a greater extent than a president’s national policies.
6. Donate to causes you care about
If you are financially capable of doing so, donate to causes that you consider important and meaningful. If you do not have the time or ability to physically show up to city council meetings or protests, financially supporting organizations that do will go a long way. No matter what party you support, donate to a variety of causes ranging from national security organizations and LGBTQ+ rights to immigration reform and gun ownership rights, or any other issues you particularly care about. Giving these organizations the financial support they need will enable them to continue advocating for policy reform, registering voters, and fundraising campaign money.
7. Volunteer for causes you care about
If you can, go out and volunteer in your community. For example, if you’re passionate about environmental regulations, try volunteering to pick up trash or start a club educating others and organizing activities. If you care about healthcare reform, you can volunteer at hospitals, food banks, homeless shelters, or senior centers. Though COVID-19 has definitely made this more challenging, instead of volunteering in-person, you could donate and create PPE for healthcare staff or organize Zoom sessions with senior citizens to keep them company. If education reform is really important to you, lead Zoom sessions that help students in your community by giving them extra support.
In addition to specific policy areas, if there are specific candidates you support, you can work at phone banks reaching out to voters. You can also intern and help at campaigns by researching potential donors and drafting position papers.