People get into local politics for reasons as varied as having a say in their community, trying to make difference or wanting to change policies they don’t agree with. Getting involved can initially seem overwhelming if you don’t know where to begin, but with research, volunteering, and using your voice, you can become an involved citizen.
The first most important step in getting involved with the legislative process is
Register to Vote. You are eligible to vote in elections for the area in which you live. Update your voter registration if you change addresses. If you are new in town and recently purchased a home, your REALTOR® can give you information on the local city government and important meetings that may affect your property rights. To register to vote sign up online with the CA Secretary of State: http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration
Attend meetings. City council, board of education, and other board meetings are typically open to the public. Attending these public forums will help citizens understand the inner workings of local government and allow them to see representatives in action. REALTORS® frequently attend meetings concerning zoning or building ordinance changes. They want to communicate to their clients the facts about buying and selling properties in a certain area. The REALTOR® can help the public navigate the local city government departments to effect change.
Attend town hall meetings. Town hall meetings differ from most meetings that elected officials attend because they are created to interact directly with constituents. Attending one is a way to speak directly to your representatives about issues that matter to you. Most town hall meetings are not well attended, but they are free and take place in public places. Your REALTORS® meet with elected officials representing the area of their association in Sacramento and Washington DC each year. They represent their members and clients in this direct, informal setting.
The California Association of REALTORS® promotes these meetings and helps set the appointments for their REALTOR® members. To get an update on the current issues where C.A.R. is working with the legislators, visit the C.A.R. website, Homeowner’s Legislative Facts e Newsletter http://homeownerfacts.org/
This newsletter is a service to our clients and allows REALTORS® to share current legislative information.
The Laguna Board of REALTORS® and Affiliates is an organization run by hundreds of volunteers for the benefit of their members and the public. The LBOR Charitable Assistance Fund continues to raise thousands of dollars each year for the benefit of local non-profit organizations. For more information please contact the Laguna Board of REALTORS®, (949) 497-2474.
