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Politics and Activism

10 Ways You — Yes, YOU, Citizen — Can Get Involved In Politics Beyond Just Voting

Voting isn't the only way you can influence society.

Parker_Jacobs

Sep 29, 2019

Miami University

10 Ways You — Yes, YOU, Citizen — Can Get Involved In Politics Beyond Just Voting

When We All Vote / Instagram

Even though we are over a year away from the next presidential election, there are still many important races to pay attention to this November. Here are some ways to be an informed citizen and participate in this election season.

Contact your representatives

Is there a new gun control bill on your state senate floor? How do you feel about the South Florida Clean Coastal Water Act of 2019 that is trying to get passed in Congress? Let your representatives know how you feel about key issues. You should especially contact your representative if you feel like they are not representing your beliefs or the general beliefs of your district, as it is their job to represent their constituents.

Attend a protest

While protests can be daunting, it can also be a lot of fun to meet those who share your beliefs! Peaceful demonstrations work because they raise awareness for pressing causes and can reignite the passions of those who are protesting.

Pay attention to your local ballots

Is your school board trying to pass a levy? Is your neighbor running for city council? While the city government can be overlooked, it has the greatest influence on our everyday life, so stay educated on your local politics.

Volunteer to register voters

Get information on your state's voter registration policies and get to work! The more people who vote, the more likely the election results are an accurate representation of the population's beliefs.

Avoid arguments

I know you love your grandmother, but just because her views are "outdated" does not give you the right to raise your voice and call her names. It is important to know when to have an insightful conversation and when to walk away.

Instigate insightful conversations

Political arguments only lead to hurt feelings and rage as opposed to a change of opinion. Instead of yelling, have a polite and well-structured discussion that highlights the logic of both sides, and if you are successful at explaining your belief system, you might even change your opponent's opinion.

Stay informed

Part of having meaningful conversations is knowing what you are talking about. Stay up to date on current affairs by reading the news from a variety of sources, because while there isn't fake news, there is biased news, so make sure to read articles from both sides.

Work a polling location

Come Tuesday, November 3, there will be a need for poll workers. Poll workers are a crucial part of the voting experience; they help issue ballots, register voters, and so much more. Learn about your state's requirements to be an election worker and contact your local election office to sign up!

Work on a campaign

This does not have to be as complicated as it comes across. You can spend a day passing out flyers for your preferred candidate at a farmers market or by going door to door. You could even spend a day in their local office calling constituents and asking for donations.

VOTE!!!

This is the most straightforward way you can participate in this election season and your right as a member of our republic.

Go out and do your civic duty!

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25 Beatles Lyrics: Your Go-To Guide for Every Situation

The Best Lines from the Fab Four

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For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

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Recommended for you

10 Ways You — Yes, YOU, Citizen — Can Get Involved In Politics Beyond Just Voting

Voting isn't the only way you can influence society.

Contact your representatives

Attend a protest

Pay attention to your local ballots

Volunteer to register voters

Avoid arguments

Instigate insightful conversations

Stay informed

Work a polling location

Work on a campaign

VOTE!!!

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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