Knock-knock, your future lawmakers are here to chat

The parades are over, the fireworks stands are packing up, and I’m really starting to regret multiple days of potato salad and ice cream as a standalone meal. But there’s still plenty to look forward to! In fact, one of the biggest signs of summer is ramping up: Campaign Season.

Candidates are everywhere, and not just in our mailboxes, on our TVs or (oddly enough) in our kids’ YouTube feeds. They’re here in real life: knocking on doors, hitting the farmer’s markets and sampling baked goods at the neighborhood picnic. This is actually a really great opportunity for us as voters. Most of us don’t get much face-to-face time with the people who will vote on our behalf in Lansing or Washington, and this time between June and September is our best opportunity to actually meet the people who want to serve us and find out what they really think.

The stakes this year are high for all voters, regardless of geography or political leanings. Federal cuts to Medicaid and SNAP are already forcing the state to make decisions about who keeps coverage and who doesn’t. Michigan still has no state Child Tax Credit, no paid family and medical leave for most workers, and a minimum wage that hasn’t kept pace with the cost of living here. Meanwhile, some lawmakers are pushing to slash the property taxes that fund local schools and emergency services, or to give income tax breaks to people who already earn the most.

With what’s on the table for voters, it’s critical that we find out where our potential leaders land on the issues. Asking questions in person will give you a much better sense of what your candidate stands for than the glossy mailers and yard signs will, but it helps to be prepared for those conversations.

You don’t need a political science degree to talk to someone who’s running for office, but you’ll need to do more than ask “what do you believe in,” or “what’s your platform.”  Pick two or three issues that matter most to you or your community and be prepared with specific questions — here’s a guide that provides questions and context on some of the issues that the Michigan League for Public Policy is following in the upcoming election.

If the candidate doesn’t have an answer for you, this is also a great opportunity to educate them about why a particular policy or issue is important to you. Candidates are working to understand what communities want and need, and it’s here on the trail that they’re going to hear about it. A question from a real constituent can help shape their thinking and give them real-life examples and insights into what matters most.

July is an especially important time to talk to candidates in Michigan. Our primary is August 4, and you have a pretty short window of time to decide which bubble you’ll fill in on that ballot. And don’t forget that lawmakers aren’t the only thing on a primary ballot. Local issues and nonpartisan races often show up and receive a lot less attention; this could be your only chance to weigh in on what’s important. Make sure to look at a sample ballot ahead of time so you’re prepared.

If you need to register to vote or update your address, you can do that online or by mail through July 20, or in person at your city or township clerk’s office through Election Day.  And, be sure to check out www.promotethevotemi.com, which has plenty of helpful resources on elections and voting.

So don’t hide behind the couch when you hear that inevitable knock on the door from a candidate or their team. Ask them what they think and tell them what’s important to you. Then, grab another scoop of ice cream (who are we kidding? It’s summer!), check out the sample ballot for your precinct and start making your decisions.