13 Ways to Get Involved in the 2020 Election (Even If You Can't Vote)

Find out who is running in your local, state, and national elections—and what those candidates stand for—at ballotpedia.org (under “2020 elections” in the navigation bar) and vote411.org. Compare the presidential candidates’ views at 2020election.procon.org. And visit votesmart.org/elections/ballot-measures to read about proposed changes to your state’s constitution. (These sites are nonpartisan, which means they do not side with any political party.)

Discussing the issues facing our country can broaden your perspective, especially if you talk with family and friends who have different viewpoints. But keep the conversations respectful. Here’s how: Try to speak face-to-face or over the phone, rather than over social media. Ask questions about what the other person thinks and why, instead of just making statements about what you believe. And attempt to understand the other person’s point of view and discover common ground, rather than simply trying to persuade him or her to switch sides. 

Ask your family and older friends if they’re registered to vote. If not, encourage them to learn how to apply ASAP at vote411.org or vote.gov. Then make sure they know where and how to cast ballots. They can find their polling places at vote411.org. Because of the coronavirus, the majority of Americans can vote by mail this year. Visit usa.gov/election-office to find out the options in your state. Finally, in the weeks leading up to November 3, remind your loved ones to vote. Mail-in ballots should be sent at least eight days ahead of the Election Day deadline.

Invite friends and family members to watch a debate with you—either in person or by video chat. (Candidates for president and vice president debate on national television, while state and local candidates often debate on local TV and radio stations.) Set the mood by serving red-white-and-blue treats, then compare notes as you watch. Ask: What questions would you ask? Which ideas do you agree or disagree with? What do you think of the debate format? 

A donation of money—even $1—can help support your favorite cause or candidate. Earn cash by selling toys you no longer want, holding a car wash, or doing yard work for neighbors. You can even start an online fund-raiser. Be sure to explain who or what you are collecting money for and why doing so is important to you.

Tell local, state, and federal leaders what you think about important issues through phone calls, letters, or emails—especially if those leaders are up for reelection this fall. (Find their contact info at usa.gov/elected-officials.) Not sure what to say? Try starting with: “I strongly support/oppose . . .” If enough voters contact an official, they can affect his or her decisions. Follow when and how your elected officials vote on issues that you care about at issuevoter.org.

Want more support for homeless teens? Think plastic shopping bags should be banned? Pick an issue you are passionate about. Then do some research to find an organization that is addressing the problem in a way you agree with. Finally, figure out how you can help that group—such as by organizing a fund-raiser, participating in a Twitter campaign, or writing letters to news outlets. Look for different opportunities and ideas at pointsoflight.org, dosomething.org, and yvc.org.

The First Amendment gives Americans the right to “petition the government for a redress of grievances.” That’s a fancy way of saying that we can tell the government if we don’t like what it is doing. Anyone 13 or older can create a petition at petitions.whitehouse.gov. State your goal and how you think the government should achieve it—then share your petition. If you get enough signatures in 30 days, you are ensured a response from the White House.

Your local government’s decisions affect your daily life, so pay attention! The city council might debate funding for a new skate park, or the school board might update the dress code. Attend meetings to stay informed—either in person or virtually. (Check your town website for meeting dates.) Some public meetings include time for audience members to speak, so ask questions and share your thoughts.