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In every election, voters vote to have a say in the governments that approve and implement the many policies that shape their lives.

But democratic participation doesn’t have to end on election night. There are countless ways to stay politically engaged, advocate for the changes you want to see, and continue to influence the policymaking process beyond voting.

Community advocates, political scientists, candidates and politicians say democracy offers many more ways to participate than simply casting a vote.

First, understand the system.

Respecting the result of the electoral process is key to maintaining a democracy.

“That’s the democratic process,” said Renee Henderson Earls, executive director of the Odessa Chamber of Commerce. “We go to the polls and elect someone. He may not be the person you voted for, but he may be the person the majority voted for.”

Citizen participation within our democratic institutions is key to ensuring that these institutions adequately serve their communities, said Karthik Soora, a former teacher and Democratic candidate for the Texas State Senate.

“Democracy requires an active system. Every individual is the foundation on which democracy is built,” Soora said. “The government will not advance if we do not advance.”

For example, citizens can testify and participate in the redrawing of political districts that occurs every 10 years after the United States census.

“There are ways that we as citizens can participate in the process beyond just making your candidate win all the time,” said Brandon Rottinghouse, a political science professor at the University of Houston.

The democratic institutions of local, state, and federal governments also offer individuals many ways to have a say in what happens in their communities, even if individuals do not feel represented in all sectors or levels of government. At the local level, for example, there are many governing bodies that people can follow and participate in, such as city councils, county commissioners courts, school boards, and special purpose districts.

“Local government offers many entry points for people who want to follow what’s happening in their communities,” Rottinghouse said. “By participating in local government, people get a sense of how these organizations routinely conduct their businesses and the types of functions they perform.”

Furthermore, the election of new officials does not always mean that policies will change immediately. Whether at the local, state, or national level, it often takes a long time for policies to change, and the political process typically involves a complex network of people beyond those who are elected, such as community advocates, lobbyists, and political donors which can have a huge influence.

“It’s pretty difficult for a new president, congressman or senator to come in and immediately start implementing the policies they want,” said Jared Lovelace, a former Republican candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives to represent Texas’ 10th congressional district.

Get involved in community organizations or advocacy groups.

Being part of community organizations allows people to connect regardless of their political affiliation. In community groups, people can advocate for the needs of their communities or send a message about larger political concerns.

Liz Silva, a member of a parent-teacher organization for the Houston school district, said people often don’t understand the impact they can have at the local level.

“There may not be a chance to address big political issues, but there are certainly little things that improve the life of the community,” Silva said.

Engage with elected officials

Henderson, executive director of the Odessa Chamber of Commerce, has found that elected officials at all levels of government can be open to listening to people and answering questions.

Communicating with local and state officials can be as simple as writing letters, visiting their office, or attending public meetings. Texans can also participate in the state’s lawmaking process each odd-numbered year by showing up to testify during hearings, speaking with lawmakers, or protesting at the Texas Capitol.

“Expressing what you think about a certain issue, or how you feel about a bill or a law that is about to be voted on, is very helpful. Typically what happens is staff or elected officials keep track of how many people raise issues about certain things,” Lovelace said.

It may take several years of dedication, but Texans have successfully made a difference showing up at the Capitol to defeat or support all types of legislation.

Texans can easily find their representatives and their respective contact information through government websites such as who represents me and US Government and the Texas Tribune directory of state elected officials. Read more tips on testifying at the Texas Capitol here and see how to testify here.

State Rep. Erin Zweiner, D-Driftwood, says even one or two emails from a citizen can get her office to pay attention to a local issue.

“Constituents who come forward can really have a strong voice with their elected officials in the Texas House of Representatives,” he said.

Communicating one’s needs is the only way a representative can know specifically what concerns a community or what issues need to be addressed and is an essential component of democracy.

“Representatives may not change their minds, but stepping back a little ensures that the democratic process is underway and that your needs are top of mind,” Lovelace said.

Attend local government meetings.

One of the simplest but most significant things one can do to get involved locally is to be part of community and government meetings, especially local meetings where elected leaders decide a variety of issues such as property tax rates, development policies, and the daily operations of schools and communities.

“School board meetings, town hall meetings, those are all easy things to do and all you have to do is show up,” Lovelace said. “If you have something to say, you can make a comment, leave a note or contact one of the elected officials.”

People can find details about city council meetings through the city’s official website. Meeting times and locations are public information. Additionally, Texans can check their city, county, or school board website for information on how to register to speak at a city council meeting. Many cities, school boards, and local governments also have committees or commissions to which local residents can be appointed or join voluntarily to give input on how local governments can address specific problems.

Being part of the conversation means representing your ideas and beliefs, whether you want to express what needs to change or what is working well. “We participate in democracy and our political system by running,” Soora said.

Consider running for office

Although sometimes disappointing, elections allow a wide variety of Texans and citizens to actively shape government and communities.

“People need to realize that sometimes, to solve the problem, they have to intervene. Maybe consider taking on a role in some elected office in your community,” Henderson said.

Soora maintains that well-resourced attorneys are overrepresented in local and state offices, which could benefit from the common participation of Texans.

“The law is great, but we also need teachers, nurses, postal workers, people who understand the needs of people who don’t have a college degree or who don’t necessarily have high levels of employment or don’t have access to health care. ” said.

Congressional elections are held every two years, and elections for state and county offices are held every even-numbered year. A variety of local elections are held each year. Many state and local governments are organized similarly to the United States government with legislative, executive, and judicial officials. State and local judges are also elected in Texas. Following the eligibility criteria, people can run for school board, state legislature, city councils, representatives, council members, among others.

Rottinghouse believes there is no better way to understand how government works than to get involved and try to run for office.

“It gives you a sense of who the local power players are, what issues the public cares about, and how politics works from the inside out,” the associate professor said.