Young people are involved in this election in a monumental way. Young folks singlehandedly brought Bernie Sanders into the spotlight, and the youth vote is a topic of discussion in every presidential candidate's campaign office. The amount of passion I see from Facebook friends regarding this election is encouraging, but we're missing one important thing here. When we step back and look at politics and elected officials, who affects our life directly? Who understands the struggles that your community, town, or state faces the most? Hint: it's not Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton. It's your local representatives. Your county commissioners, your state legislators, your school board members, your precinct heads, and your governors.
Something I have said to several peers it that I wish "Bernie bros" put half as much energy as they do into electing Bernie as they do in getting involved at the local level. Advocating for your favorite presidential candidate is by no means a lost cause, but after November's results come in, we need to focus our energy elsewhere. So I've made a list for those who are passionate. Here's my quick list of ways to get involved at the local level:
1. Get acquainted with your state legislators.
It's easier than you think. First, if you don't know, figure out who the heck they are. Then, do a little research on what they stand for. Whether they fall in line with your beliefs or not, it can be beneficial to be in contact with them. If there's a specific bill or issue you'd like to discuss with them and you are close to your state capitol, it's super easy to make an appointment to speak to them. You can call their office and set up a time, or send an email. This time of year, most state legislating bodies are not in session, but you can always plan ahead. In my experience, your legislators are super happy to meet with young constituents, because rarely do folks our age ever come in to speak to them! If you find yourself especially happy with your state legislator, volunteer for their reelection campaign. They need all the help they can get!
2. Volunteer for a local campaign.
Speaking of volunteering, this one of the best ways to get involved in the political process. Volunteering for Bernie, Hillary, or Trump is also fun and important, but most of the time all you are doing is phone banking. Your local campaign might also have you phone bank, but you could easily work your way up to canvassing, attending events, marching in parades, and maybe even collaborating with the candidate running for office. I attended a young democrats convention this summer, and I was told that volunteering and stepping up in local elections is one of the best ways to get your foot in the door, and maybe run for office yourself someday.
3. Run for a Precinct Committee Person.
A Precinct Committee Person is one of the lowest offices you can hold in our government, but they make a hell of a difference. Precincts are the smallest districts your town is divided up into. They often only make up a neighborhood or two, giving a huge opportunity to be very close to your constituents. There are Precinct Committees for both major parties. Duties of a Precinct Committee Person include attending Committee meetings, supporting party nominees, recruiting volunteers, and planning activities. The best way to learn more about running for a Precinct Committee Person is to volunteer with your county party and make connections.
"The most important job I ever held was that of a precinct committeeman."- Harry Truman
4. Join or start a Young Democrats/Republicans Club
Young Dems/Republican Clubs are a great way to get involved if you're a student. These clubs attend conferences, hold voter registration drives, volunteer with their county parties, and canvas for certain issues. You can start one at your high school or college! One thing I have noticed is that some of these clubs end up just being a circle-jerk of hating on the opposing candidates, with little to no discussion of local politics. If you find this to be true about your local club, get in there and change it. I'll put the website for the Young Dems right here, and the Young Republicans right over here.
5. Vote down the ticket.
What I mean by this is don't go to the voting booths on November 8th, check your vote for president, then leave. In my opinion, you might as well have not voted at all. Vote down the ticket for all the other offices (yes, all of them) and leave with the clear conscience that you are a young person that cares about the entire political process. This is probably the easiest way to get involved, and the easiest thing to do your research on. Once you find a candidate you like for each office, talk about it to your friends, spread the word on social media. Be passionate! Do your part! Regardless of what anyone has told you, the young vote is important and you can be passionate and helpful!
