How to Be an Active Citizen—And Inspire Other Voters
The elections coming up in November are a pretty big deal. And beyond just voting, there are a lot more ways to be an active citizen this year. Here are a few of them:
1. VOTE!: Voting is a cornerstone of being an active citizen. This year, in addition to picking the President and Vice President, voters will decide the whole House of Representatives, a third of the Senate, and 11 governorships, along with thousands of seats in state legislatures and other local offices. That's major. Take these steps to prep now:
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Put the date in your calendar (it's Tuesday, November 3rd)
-
Look up your state's voter registration rules (deadlines coming up quick!)
-
Figure out how to vote early (if you do, make sure you mask up!)
-
Apply for an absentee ballot well in advance if you’re voting by mail
2. HELP OTHERS VOTE: Once you've got yourself prepped, be sure to help out other people around you. Organize a virtual voter registration drive or share the resources in this article. Voting in 2020 is unlike anything we’ve ever experienced, and it’s more important now than ever that everyone’s voice is heard.
3. SUPPORT LOCAL CAMPAIGNS: All politics is local, so no campaign is too small for you to get involved. Want to give your local candidate of choice a boost? Take part in phone or text banking efforts, attend online campaign events, and make sure you're up-to-date on your community's goings-on.
4. DON'T WAIT TO GET INVOLVED: Being an active citizen in 2020 isn't just about gearing up for November. It also means focusing on the here and now. Want to make sure your voice is heard, or unhappy about a particular policy? Brush up on scripts for calling your representatives. Sign online petitions. Attend a socially distant protest. Even pick up a pocket copy of the Constitution (especially if you haven't read up on the Bill of Rights since 11th grade history class).
5. DIVERSIFY YOUR NEWS SOURCES: One crucial part of being an active citizen is reading up on the issues—and to do that, it's worth going beyond the articles your social media algorithms pre-select for you. Make a conscious effort to find reputable news sources that fall on the other side of the aisle (and, while you're at it, peep these quick tips on how to pick out fraudulent stories). And don't forget that political journalism is a two-way street. If you feel passionately about an issue, share coverage with friends and family and tell them why it matters to you, or consider writing an op-ed or Letter to the Editor to help spread the word.
6. DONATE WHERE YOU CAN: Volunteering is a great way to get engaged this year, and if you've got the resources, then a few well-placed donations—even micro-sums—can really help, too. Platforms like GiveWell help you engage in "high-impact giving" by highlighting respected organizations where your money can make a tangible difference. And if you have some free time, volunteer at your local polling station.
7. RUN FOR OFFICE: Hey, you—yes, you! If you're reading this, then now's the time to consider running for office. There’s been a huge groundswell of local, first-time candidates in races from school boards to Congress in the past three years. Orgs like Vote Run Lead, which supports female candidates, and Run for Something, which focuses on millennials, offer plenty of tools for first timers looking for a crash course in public affairs. It's like the old saying goes—if you want something done right, sometimes you've gotta do it yourself.
1. VOTE!: Voting is a cornerstone of being an active citizen. This year, in addition to picking the President and Vice President, voters will decide the whole House of Representatives, a third of the Senate, and 11 governorships, along with thousands of seats in state legislatures and other local offices. That's major. Take these steps to prep now:
-
Put the date in your calendar (it's Tuesday, November 3rd)
-
Look up your state's voter registration rules (deadlines coming up quick!)
-
Figure out how to vote early (if you do, make sure you mask up!)
-
Apply for an absentee ballot well in advance if you’re voting by mail
2. HELP OTHERS VOTE: Once you've got yourself prepped, be sure to help out other people around you. Organize a virtual voter registration drive or share the resources in this article. Voting in 2020 is unlike anything we’ve ever experienced, and it’s more important now than ever that everyone’s voice is heard.
3. SUPPORT LOCAL CAMPAIGNS: All politics is local, so no campaign is too small for you to get involved. Want to give your local candidate of choice a boost? Take part in phone or text banking efforts, attend online campaign events, and make sure you're up-to-date on your community's goings-on.
4. DON'T WAIT TO GET INVOLVED: Being an active citizen in 2020 isn't just about gearing up for November. It also means focusing on the here and now. Want to make sure your voice is heard, or unhappy about a particular policy? Brush up on scripts for calling your representatives. Sign online petitions. Attend a socially distant protest. Even pick up a pocket copy of the Constitution (especially if you haven't read up on the Bill of Rights since 11th grade history class).
5. DIVERSIFY YOUR NEWS SOURCES: One crucial part of being an active citizen is reading up on the issues—and to do that, it's worth going beyond the articles your social media algorithms pre-select for you. Make a conscious effort to find reputable news sources that fall on the other side of the aisle (and, while you're at it, peep these quick tips on how to pick out fraudulent stories). And don't forget that political journalism is a two-way street. If you feel passionately about an issue, share coverage with friends and family and tell them why it matters to you, or consider writing an op-ed or Letter to the Editor to help spread the word.
6. DONATE WHERE YOU CAN: Volunteering is a great way to get engaged this year, and if you've got the resources, then a few well-placed donations—even micro-sums—can really help, too. Platforms like GiveWell help you engage in "high-impact giving" by highlighting respected organizations where your money can make a tangible difference. And if you have some free time, volunteer at your local polling station.
7. RUN FOR OFFICE: Hey, you—yes, you! If you're reading this, then now's the time to consider running for office. There’s been a huge groundswell of local, first-time candidates in races from school boards to Congress in the past three years. Orgs like Vote Run Lead, which supports female candidates, and Run for Something, which focuses on millennials, offer plenty of tools for first timers looking for a crash course in public affairs. It's like the old saying goes—if you want something done right, sometimes you've gotta do it yourself.
