how do people participate in the political process other than voting?

Answer 1

I have spent the last 5 years running various political campaigns and working for a variety of non-profit organizations geared toward social justice issues. Voting is surely one of the most common and broadly based ways that people can participate in democracy, but given the increasing shenannigans that surround the validity of the election systems, I can totally see why people would be turned off to the idea.

That being said, the best way to move towards a more equitable election process is direct citizen engagement. It is way harder to disenfranchise voters, cheat or steal an election outright if you know that people are watching. And, regardless of your party affiliations, your age or your location, there are ample opportunities for you to make your voice heard.

If you live in a major city, you will be innundated for the next year with any number of campaign, political interest group and party offices. If you find a candidate or party that you support, go to their website, and you will find links to their locations across the country. If they have an office near you, contact them (usually just ask for the volunteer coordinator or field director) and let them know that you are interested in giving some of your time. Consider what you would like to do (i.e. canvassing door-to-door, stuffing envelopes, attending public events, making phone calls, etc.) and where your strenghts lie. Let whomever you speak to know your area of interest, and I guarantee that they will be excited to have you come help out.

There are also a great number of number of non-profits and political action groups (PAC), many of which operate despite the election cycles, but expand during them. Let me note that there is a difference in the two, and it is one that you should consider before volunteering. A non-profit (501-c3, 501-c4) denotes various degrees of advocacy, but is prohibited by IRS rules from specifically mentioning candidates. A PAC is a 527 as dicticated by the IRS, which has much more leeway regarding candidates and parties, but when operating legally cannot be counted as a campaign contribution. These organizations are more issue based, so if you are uncomfortable working with a particular party/candidate, think about issues that interest you and find one of these groups.

If you are in an area that does not offer any of these opportunities (make sure to check though, you'd be surprised of their reach into more remote areas) you still have options. Every county has a party office, which will be listed online or can be found in the phone book. Contact them, and let them know that you are looking to volunteer. They may be able to provide resources to become involved with the groups listed above, but they will be able to detail ways that you can help our in your area. Also, despite the common belief that it is ineffective, the most two affordable and timely options are writing editorials to your local papers and contacting your representatives. This DOES work, and is a widely employed strategy by almost all national organizations. Many local papers are either owned by national media outlets or provide feeds to national media. Editorials are a way to voice your opinions and provide information to groups on the ground that helps form the messages and campaigns in specific areas. The same is true for calling/writing/emailing your representatives. Keep in mind that they will eventually come up for reelection, and to win they will have to appeal to their constituents. I am currently staff at the national office of a well known non-profit, and these two activities are an integral part of our operations. Another option, which is available to anyone, anywhere, is to contact your local Board of Elections and sign up to be a poll watcher or election judge. This entails going to a polling place on election day and either regestering/assisting voters and helping to tally the ballots at the end of the night (judge) or observing the process to be sure that it is fair and impartial (watcher).

I apologize for the long-windedness of my answer, but this is something that is very near and dear to me, and I feel fortunate to have the resource information to provide to you all. I can say, from being a part of all of the organizations mentioned above from a management level, that the most important part of any campaign are my volunteers. These people are the heart and soul of it all, who work tirelessly and with an enthuiasm that keeps those of us manning the fort (for 90+ hours a week) focused on just why we are there. I would suggest that everyone give at least two hours of their time, visit these offices and see for yourself the energy that is brought by people who are committed and passionate about maintaining our democracy. I can almost assure you that it will be the antidote for any apathy and hopelessness that you may feel. I hope this helps!

Answer 2

Ways To Participate In Politics

Answer 3

Campaigning. That could be volunteering for someone who is running for office. Attempting to influence how other people will vote by saying positive and/or negative things about the candidates. Promoting the right and responsibility to vote. That could be setting up a table at a supermarket on a Saturday with a bunch of voter's registration cards and asking people if they'd like to register to vote. Another way of participating besides voting is not voting. Some people don't see it as participation, but a show of apathy is a message to the candidates of dissatifaction.

Answer 4

Keep educating yourself, so that you get some perspective and don´t get easily manipulated. Do not limit your input to mass media. Read with a very critical eye, read people from very different tendencies, combine classics with news. This is a never-ending task.

Find something important you really, deeply care about. Something you by yourself decided is right (or wrong) and worth preserving (or changing). If you are educating yourself properly, this should be an interesting task, possibly life-changing.

Then, do something about it, as easy as that. In most cases, you will be able to do something directly on a local level, either by yourself, or associating for that purpose with a group of people.

Voting (or convincing others to vote) is a very small part of the political process. As an educated citizen, your responsibility is much higher: to think and to act.

Answer 5

Debate other people. Give money. Call/mail elected officials. Volunteer for campaigns. Engage in recalls. Blog. Run for office.

Answer 6

Donate money,
volunteer at a party or candidates office (phones, letters, signs),
Put a sign in your yard
tell your family and friends

Go to your candidate's or party's website and sign up. They'll find something for you to do.

Answer 7

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Staying up to date with what our Politicians are doing locally, State, and on the National levels. Contacting any and all Politicians with what I as a Citizen agree OR DISAGREE with their stances.

Answer 8

by lobbying their mp about causes they think he needs to bring up in parliament..

By demonstrations against unpopulardecisions as they are supposed to be representing us.

By forming pressure groups.

Bj joining trade unions and striking

By signibg petitions in large numbers.

By large donations to a party

By standing in elections themselves as candidates

Canvassing

Giving voters lifts on polling day

Putting posters in their windows

Joining the local party group and volunteering help

Answer 9

so many ways, going to the precinct meetings, facilitating a debate in your town, staffing a voter registration table at the mall, and on and on. making sandwiches for the people who stuff envelopes for candidates. designing brochures. etc.
running of office or serving in office or helping others with their campaigns or their service. so many ways.

Answer 10

It's been to my knowledge that people volunteer to work on a campaigning team for your local legislature (i.e. City councilmen / women, city mayors) stuff like that.

Hope it helped.