INFORM - EDUCATE - ENGAGE

Elected officials often prioritize the interests of their large donors, lobbying and special interest groups and even their party affiliation over what's best for the very people who elected them. But more power is found when Americans exercise their right to VOTE. It sounds simple. It is as long as you are informed and empowered to make the right choice for you and your community.

So, how do you decipher the hundreds of news articles found on your news feed?

Understand the Role of Lobbying and Campaign Finance

• Lobbying hit $5.08 billion in 2025 — first time ever crossing $5B (Open Secrets)

• Healthcare alone spent $868 million on lobbying

• Super PACs dropped $2.7 billion in independent expenditures

• Business Roundtable jumped 40% to $33.5 million in a single year

Lobbying is a legal activity where groups try to influence lawmakers. However, it often means that special interests get more attention than ordinary citizens. Campaign donations can also affect how representatives act.

• We are not a PAY TO PLAY democracy!

For example, the American-Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has been the largest donor in the last two election cycles. They contribute to both parties but tend to support incumbents heavily. This shows how certain groups maintain influence regardless of party control.

Register to Vote- It's free!

The most direct way to make your voice heard is by voting. Registering to vote is the first step, and it is simple to do. States offer 3 ways to register; online, in person or by mail. This is guaranteed by federal law National Voter Registration Act of 1993

We are not a "Pay for Play" democracy

Voter registration vs policy registration

"Voter registration is free and takes 5 min

Policy registration requires a CFO and a lobbyist retainer!!!"

THINK ABOUT IT......

Vote in Every Election

Local elections often have a bigger impact on daily life than national ones. School boards, city councils, and state legislatures make decisions that affect your community directly.

Stay Engaged Between Elections

Voting is important, but so is ongoing engagement. Contact your representatives, attend town halls, and join civic groups to keep pressure on elected officials.

Use Technology and Community Resources to Stay Connected

Technology makes it easier than ever to follow politics and get involved.

Sign Up for Alerts Google Alerts is great tool to use.

Many websites and apps offer alerts on legislation and political news. You can customize these to focus on your state, candidates, policies etc.

Join Local Civic Groups such as ACLU, Mobilize and others

Nonprofits and grassroots organizations often provide resources, training, and events to help citizens engage with politics effectively.

• Attend Public Meetings

City council meetings, school board sessions, and public forums are open to all. Attending these helps you understand local issues and voice your concerns.

Hold Representatives Accountable

Representatives work for the people who elect them. Holding them accountable means making sure they represent your interests, not just those of lobbyists or party leaders.

Contact Your Representatives Regularly

Write letters, send emails, or call their offices to express your views on specific bills or policies. Find your state representative by clicking house.gov or senators link

Share Information with Your Community

Discuss what you learn with friends, family, and neighbors. A well-informed community can push for better representation.