Using Your Vote for Climate Action
We must vote like the environment depends on it, because it does! Electing local officials who have values that align with your community allows centralized, effective change take place. We do have power and a voice as citizens, and it is clear that it is our responsibility to inform and educate ourselves! Voting for representatives who have environmental justice at the forefront of their platform ensures that we can stay on track to reduce our emissions and impact on the Earth by 2030.
Through civic engagement, such as voting and volunteering, we develop the skills and voice to create positive change. This helps to improve the conditions that influence health and well-being for all. Online participatory politics can include creating and circulating photos, memes, and videos to your social networks like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and more.
The 2022 Midterm Primary elections started in Texas during March and runs through November 1st. Check this calendar to find out when your state’s elections are, and to find more information about the representatives you can vote for in the midterms. The midterm primary elections will determine the candidates that will go on the general election ballot for each political party. The general election will be held on November 8th, 2022.
Be an informed voter
This page from Common Cause provides a wide variety of voter tools, with resources to:
- Find your polling place
- Register to vote
- Check your registration status
- Request an absentee ballot
- Find your local election office
- If you have a felony conviction, learn if you are eligible to vote
- Get detailed information on your state’s voting laws
This one-stop resource page will prepare you for making an informed vote that will count in this election, and it will also equip you with knowledge so you can feel confident helping others get involved and participate in this critical 2020 election.
You can also find your representatives, how to contact them, bills they’ve introduced, committees they serve on, and political contributions they’ve received by visiting this Common Cause page.
Enter your address to have a “sample” ballot generated for this upcoming election. Click on your candidates to read their biography, view past election results, read their campaign themes and responses to our candidate survey, and more. Click here to begin.
Volunteer
The Environmental Voter Project has amazing resources, plus a ton of ways for you to volunteer from home calling voters, sending postcards, and canvassing!
Protect the Vote will help you find the best way to get involved — whether that’s monitoring polling places, watchdogging social media for disinformation, or reaching out to voters to make sure they know their rights. You’ll connect voters with trained legal professionals who can help them navigate the voting process and cast their ballots safely and securely. Enter your information here to be contacted with someone who will plug you into the best opportunity to connect and empower voters nationwide!
Power the Polls lets you help staff your local polling place. Sign up to help your community have as many votes as possible be secure and count. You will be provided with PPE, training, and pay in many districts around the United States.
Join a legislative working group
Many organizations have a local chapter that is working on environmental legislation. You can join these groups with any level of experience, as there is always something to help with and provide input on. The great thing about joining local working groups is that you get to learn about local issues and really plug into a community of activists.
Some organizations that have local working groups are 350.org, Climate Reality and the Sierra Club. Reach out to your local chapter directly to learn more!
How do you practice civic engagement in your community? I have registered to vote in my new state, attend legislative working group meetings, and listen in on webinars regarding local policy. It can be a little scary to start getting involved with local legislation, but it really increases your confidence as an activist once you dive in!
