Politics For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Politics is an area that you may feel like you don’t have a say, but your participation can make a big difference. You have control over the amount of time (and money) you want to contribute, but one thing is critical — you must vote! If you don’t vote, you have no right or leverage to complain about politics, politicians, or government. Check out the following things you can do to be politically active:

• Register to vote.
• Vote in every election.
• Join a political party.
• Vote in primaries.
• Read and listen to the information about the candidates — cast an informed vote.
• Ask questions of candidates and elected officials.
• Don’t hesitate to tell officials when they’ve done something you don’t like.
• Thank officials when they do something you do like.
• Use your phone, the mail, your fax, your computer e-mail — let your representatives hear from you often.
• Circulate petitions and join with others who think as you do.
• Become a delegate to a national convention.

If you’re not sure if your voter registration is current or are unclear about your voting district or precinct, head on over to Turbo Vote. They can give you the information you need.

If you feel strongly about an issue and want to exercise your newfound political skills, just pick up your phone and voice your opinion to the people who represent you. If you cannot find the phone numbers of your congressperson, state representative, or state senator listed in the government section of your phone book, try contacting one of the following offices:

• County board of elections or voter registration
• State election board
• Local office of the League of Women Voters
• Public library
• State or county headquarters of the Republican or Democratic party

Ask the person to give you the following information (make sure you have your address book with you):

• Your congressional district, congressperson, and the office phone number
• Your legislative district, state legislator, and the main number at the statehouse
• Your state senate district, state senator, and a phone number at the statehouse

Ask whether the official has a toll-free number and/or an e-mail address. Check your voter registration card; it may list your ward and precinct. That information makes it easier for the county office to determine which district you live in.

Legislators and other elected officials are busy people, and a lot of people want a piece of their time. After you’ve found the contact information for your representative, review the following checklist before you call to make that call both more effective and more respectful:

• Be prepared to give your name and address.
• Tell the person precisely why you are calling.
• If you are calling about a particular piece of legislation, give the number of the bill, if possible.
• Tell the individual whether you are for or against the legislation and why.
• Be patient; other voters may be calling to express their views, too.

Because you’ve only one vote to cast, your candidate choice is crucial. How do you know what to look for in a political candidate? Do a little research to help you get to know something about each candidate and use these useful tips:

Things to Look For

• Does the candidate appear intelligent, or is he just filling out the suit?
• Is the candidate qualified for the job?
• Does she have the education and experience to handle the job?
• Do you agree with the programs and ideas the candidate has proposed?
• Are you comfortable with the groups and the individuals who support the candidate?
• Can you trust the candidate?
• Does he pass the elevator test? (If an elevator door opened in front of you and getting on meant you would ride alone with the candidate, would you get on?)
• Is the candidate a leader?
• Does she have ideas of her own?

Things to Watch Out For

• Candidates who make appeals to your emotions — not to your intelligence
• Candidates who identify problems — but don’t propose realistic solutions
• Candidates who offer simple, no-sacrifice solutions to complex problems
• Candidates who talk exclusively about hot-button issues such as race, immigration, the flag, English as the official language, and class warfare, but not about such issues as taxes, health care, and the budget
• Candidates with shady dealings in their backgrounds
• Candidates who tell you what they think you want to hear
• Candidates who use negative campaign tactics to give you a false impression of the competition

How to Support Your Candidate

• Volunteer your time — contact voters, organize events, distribute literature.
• Contribute money or help the candidate raise money.
• Urge others to support your candidate.
• Remember to vote for your candidate on election day.