Local governments exist to meet the  needs that are shared by many people in one area.  These needs  either provide services or regulate something needed by all.  The services provided could be garbage pickup, road maintenance, services for elderly, and sewer and water systems.  Regulations might be zoning issues (who builds what where), parking restrictions, or even enforcing a curfew!

  One way to participate when you are 18 is, of course, to VOTE in local elections. These elections can be at many levels: town, county, school, city, or village.  When you vote, you are choosing someone you think will make certain decisions the way you would like them to be made. But sometimes these people need advice on which way to go, and therefore there are other ways to participate in decision making.   You can attend meetings, write or sign petitions,  or give money for political functions.  In those ways, you are giving advice to the officials; you are letting them know what your wishes are in that area.

  There are many officials at each level.  Some are elected and some are appointed by the elected officials.  Perhaps you could be appointed to one of those positions and help make decisions that way.  Many times, meetings are held to get ideas for problem solving also.  Attend a meeting, voice your opinion, and perhaps your voice will be heard!

At the state level, you can also vote for a person who usually agrees with your thoughts, but there are other ways to participate in decision making.   One of the effective ways is to write letters to your state assembly members and state senators. You can also call them, e mail them, or make an appointment to see them.  Let them know your opinions on matters that are important to you.  For a list of current Senators and Members of the Assembly and addresses (and emails) follow the correct link! 

   All of the above ways still apply at the federal level, but there are some other ways here also.  There are people in Washington, D.C. whose job it is to inform the Senators and Representatives of certain interest groups' opinions on certain matters.  These people are called lobbyists. (It is said they used to wait in the lobbies to get a chance to talk to the elected official and give them their opinions!)  For instance, farmers have lobbyists to remind elected officials that farmers want certain things done to help them, and educators have lobbyists for the same reason.  Most special interest groups hire lobbying groups in Washington to do these things; it's legal and makes it easier for folks to get their wishes known in Washington, D.C. when they are home working!

So, as you can see, there are many ways that you can be involved in the decision making process of the government. Many times the elected official is just looking for your opinion.

Let's Practice!