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At every election, voters cast their ballots to have a say in the governments that enact 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 policymaking beyond voting.

Community advocates, political scientists, candidates and politicians say democracy offers many more ways to participate than just voting.

First, understand the system.

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

“This is the democratic process,” said Renee Henderson Earls, executive director of the Odessa Chamber of Commerce. “We go to the polls and choose someone. It may not be the person you voted for, but this is who the majority voted for.”

Citizen involvement in our democratic institutions is key to ensuring these institutions properly serve their communities, said Karthik Soora, former teacher and Democratic candidate for Texas State Senate.

“Democracy requires an active system. Every individual is the foundation on which democracy is built,” said Soora. “Government won’t move forward if we don’t move forward.”

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

“There are ways that we as citizens can be involved in the process beyond your candidate winning all the time,” said Brandon Rottinghaus, a political science professor at the University of Houston.

The democratic institutions of local, state, and federal government also provide many ways for individuals to have a say in what happens in their communities, even though individuals may not feel represented in every part or level 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 provides many entry points for people who want to follow what’s happening in their communities,” Rottinghaus said. “By participating in local government, people get a sense of how these organizations normally operate and the type of functions they carry out.”

Furthermore, the election of new office holders 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 usually involves a complex network of people beyond the elected, such as community advocates, lobbyists, and political donors which can have tremendous 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 U.S. House candidate to represent the 10th District of Congress from Texas.

Get involved in community organizations or advocacy groups

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

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

“There may not be opportunities to address big political issues, but there are certainly small things that make life in the community better,” Silva said.

Interact with elected officials

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

Communicating with local and state officials can be as simple as writing a letter, visiting their office, or attending town hall meetings. Texans can also participate in the state’s lawmaking process every odd-numbered year by showing up to testify during hearings, talking to 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 going to be voted on goes a long way. Usually what happens is that employees or elected officials keep track of how many people raise issues about certain things,” Lovelace said.

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

Texans can easily find their representatives and their respective contact information through government websites like Who Represents Me? and USGov and The Texas Tribune’s state elected director. Read more tips about testifying at the Texas Capitol Here and see how to confess Here.

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

“Elected officials who reach out can really have a loud voice with their elected officials in the Texas House,” she said.

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

“Representatives may not change their mind, but pushing back a little ensures that the democratic process is happening and that your needs are on their mind,” Lovelace said.

Attend local government meetings

One of the simplest yet most meaningful things you can do to get involved at the local level is to attend community and government meetings, especially local meetings where elected leaders. decides a variety of problems such as property tax rates, development policies, and the day-to-day operations of schools and communities

“School board meetings, town hall meetings, those are all low-hanging fruit that you just have to show up for,” Lovelace said. “If you have something to say, you can make a comment, leave a note or get in touch with one of the elected.”

Individuals can find details of their city council meetings on 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 that local residents can be appointed to or volunteer to join to provide input on how local governments can address specific issues.

Being part of the conversation means representing your ideas and beliefs, whether you want to express what needs to change or what’s working well. “We are taking part in democracy and our political system by showing up,” Soora said.

Consider running for office

While sometimes disappointing, elections allow a wide range 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 somewhere in an elected office in your community,” Henderson said.

Soora argues that well-resourced attorneys are overrepresented in local and state offices, which could benefit from the participation of everyday 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 access to healthcare,” he said .

Elections for Congress are held every two years, and elections for state and county offices are held every even year. A variety of local elections are held each year. Many state and local governments are organized similarly to the US government, with legislative, executive, and judicial officials. In Texas, state and local judges are also elected. According to the eligibility criteria, individuals can run for school board, state legislature, city councils, representatives, council members, among others.

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

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