For Houstonians who have never registered to vote or who cannot cast a ballot for any reason, democracy still offers many ways to stay involved. Houston officials and experts stress that civic engagement need not end at election time – democracy demands active participation even from those who don’t vote.
Communities offer many entry points beyond casting a ballot. Residents can attend local government or school board meetings, volunteer for candidates or nonprofits, join issue-focused coalitions and speak out in rallies, protests or public forums.
City council meetings are one ready avenue. Houston’s City Council meets weekly and makes all sessions open to the public. Houston residents can sign up to give a brief public comment during Tuesday sessions beginning at 2 p.m., according to the city’s website.
Similarly, local boards invite public input. For example, the Houston Independent School District board meets at 5 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month, and residents may attend in-person or watch online. Those who want to speak at the meetings must register at least three business days before a meeting. Other entities such as city planning boards and park commissions often have their own comment periods as well.
Volunteering is another civic engagement path. One does not have to be a registered voter to help with a cause or campaign. Local nonprofit and political groups constantly seek volunteers to staff offices, make phone calls, hand out flyers or drive fellow residents to events. For instance, civic workshops in Houston have trained residents as volunteer deputy registrars, who go door-to-door to help neighbors sign up to vote.
In one University of Houston workshop, Harris County officials certified 23 volunteers as deputy registrars to assist in registering eligible voters. Likewise, groups like the League of Women Voters of Houston and the Houston Voting Initiative routinely organize canvass teams and training that any adult can join, irrespective of voter status.
Joining an advocacy group or nonprofit board can also make an impact. Houston has dozens of issue-focused organizations that meet regularly to push for change, ranging from environmental, education, health, faith-based and more. Many neighborhoods form civic clubs or coalitions, such as the Super Neighborhood Alliance which unites all neighborhood council chairs and meets monthly to share information as well as advise city officials. Similarly, youth-focused groups like AliefVotes train students in civic engagement and skills.
Even modest actions can matter – influencing school budgets or city ordinances one step at a time still improves local life.
“There might not be chances to tackle big political issues, but there are certainly small things that make community life better,” Liz Silva, a member of a parent-teacher organization in the Houston school district, told The Texas Tribune.
Volunteers on the ground help bring politics to the people. Grassroots actions, like canvasing or hosting informational tables, keep civic conversations alive. Houstonians regularly protest and march on issues big and small – everything from disaster relief to national policy. On Jul. 17 earlier this year, dozens gathered at City Hall for a ‘Good Trouble Lives On’ day of action, using art and music to protest federal policies.
“I feel like I’m in the community, and I can let my voice be heard, and that everybody will be able to come together and let our voices be heard and take action,” said Grace Hee, Harris County Democratic Party volunteer and participant in the ‘Good Trouble’ protest.
In events such as rallies or protests, people of all ages can speak, sing or simply march – participation itself sends a message. Phone banks, text campaigns, and literature drops are also proven ways to boost engagement. Even those who cannot vote can encourage others: organizing a voting carpool, sharing official resources or planning an election-day strategy with friends all push democracy forward.
Citizens can write op-eds, circulate petitions or lobby leaders on issues they care about. Research finds such involvement helps close gaps. For example, Chicago scholars reported that people with felony records who got involved with community nonprofits were far more involved in political acts like contacting officials, signing petitions, or volunteering for campaigns.
Houston-area residents can also reach out directly to elected officials. Communicating with legislators can be as simple as writing letters, visiting their office, or attending town hall meetings. Texans can even turn out at the Capitol to testify about bills or protest issues. At the neighborhood level, civic advocates say showing up is often enough to be heard.
“School board meetings, city hall meetings, those are all low hanging fruit that all you have to do is show up,” stated Jared Lovelace, a former congressional candidate. “If you have something to say, you can make a comment, leave a note or get in contact with one of the elected officials.”
College campuses and youth networks also offer training and practice in civil action. Students who are not registered voters, whether they are underage or not yet citizens, can still join the discussion. Universities often host forums, debates and issue events open to all students. Students are encouraged to learn how U.S. elections work, follow campus voter drives and even enroll in civic groups or student government as volunteers. Some schools even train election ambassadors who help fellow students with nonpartisan election information and pledges.
Even without formal events, there are many other tools people can use. Many of Houston’s newspapers such as the Houston Chronicle and La Voz de Houston publish readers’ opinions, so letters on zoning, schools or justice issues can reach a wide audience. City and state officials maintain public websites and social media accounts; many encourage constituents to send emails or attend town halls.
The Texas legislatures’ website, for instance, lets residents submit testimony or comments on bills. Every letter or email sent about a concern, or every social media post tagging a mayor or council member helps signal that an issue matters to the community.
Democracy thrives on participation; civic duty continues throughout the year, not just during election periods. With or without voter registration, anyone can help make their city or country better by speaking up, volunteering and working with others to affect change.
