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Information on Elections & Offices
Information on Elections & Offices
What are local, state, and federal elections?
There are three different levels of elected office: local offices, state offices, and federal offices. Sometimes, an election will include candidates for just one level of elected office. Other times, you will vote for candidates at more than one level of office.
In local elections, you are voting for candidates for local government. You might vote for members of your city council or the mayor of your town or city. Local elections are sometimes called municipal elections.
In state elections, you are voting for candidates for state government: governor, state representative, state senators, lieutenant governor, and attorney general.
Federal elections happen in even-numbered years in November. During a federal election, you vote for your Representative for the House of Representatives. You might vote for one or both of your Senators, President, and Vice President. Members of the House of Representatives are up for election every two years. Senators are elected to six-year terms. Only one third of Senators are up for election in a federal election.
Presidential elections happen every four years, or every other federal election.
What is a Primary Election?
Sometimes, there are too many candidates for one election. For example, only 1 person from each political party can run for President. But lots of people want to be President, so each party votes on who their candidate will be. This is called the primary election. It happens before the general election.
What is a General Election?
One of the two main types of elections. In a general election, you will vote for who will become your elected officials.
What is a Special Election?
Sometimes, an elected official gets sick, breaks the law, or leaves office. They may have to stop being an elected official, so people need to vote for a new elected official. This new vote has to happen right away, even if it is not election time. This is called a special election.
Tips on Legislative Advocating
Tips on Legislative Advocating
How can I take action on legislation?
Form a relationship with your representatives and senators by calling, emailing, and scheduling meetings to tell them about how their decisions on the budget and laws affect the quality of life for you and your family. TIP: Even brief messages matter! Legislators often tally the contacts they receive on issues.
Stay informed about fast-moving bills and proposals. Sign up to receive updates from trusted organizations.
Focus your efforts on key issues such as Medicaid services, ensuring that K-12 proposals support inclusive education practices, or waiver program policies. TIP: Introducing yourself as a parent sets you apart from professionals and lobbyists.
How can I contact my state representative or senator?
Every member has an email address and an office phone number at the statehouse. The most effective ways to communicate are by personal contacts: emails, phone calls or face-to-face meetings. Legislators prefer to hear from their own constituents directly and may not pay attention to mass emails or form letters.
Locate your legislator at http://iga.in.gov/legislative/find-legislators/
Additionally, the The FSSA Legislative Team serves as the liaison between the agency and the Indiana General Assembly. They collaborate with various FSSA divisions to develop, coordinate, and advocate for the agency's legislative initiatives, as well as manage legislative communication both internally and with the General Assembly.
Ways to Work with Legislators
Partner with a legislator to craft a bill
Schedule a one-on-one meeting
Write a letter, email, or phone a legislator
Email, phone and letter writing campaigns
Work with someone who know the legislator
Speak at a committee meeting
Create fact sheets and talking points
Do not just speak to existing allies
Advocacy “Do-Nots”
Do not assume their knowledge of the bill
Do not go in with a hostile attitude
Do not engage in partisan politics
Do not overstate your knowledge or “guess”
Do not make false promises
Do not argue moral issues or “right and wrong”
Do not reinforce stereotypes of your field or others
Do not forget manners or overuse your time
Meeting with your Legislator
Meeting with your Legislator
One-on-One Legislator Meetings
Locate your legislator at http://iga.in.gov/legislative/find-legislators/ and call or email to make an appointment.
Try meeting with your legislator outside of session when possible, they often have less on their schedule and more time for you. This also avoids the chance of presenting an issue to them too late to prepare legislation.
At your legislator meeting:
Be prepared and remember your expertise.
Have a goal in mind for the meeting / relationship.
Offer your assistance and always follow-upon on your promises.
Remember your interpersonal skills:
Working with adversarial persons
Affirming positive intentions
Finding common ground
Building long-term relationships
Addressing misconceptions tactfully
Unplanned Statehouse Meetings
It is possible, although not guaranteed, to meet your legislator without having made an appointment first.
On either side of the house and senate chamber on the 3rd floor are desks for each party with a staff person there to help you.
Let the staff person know which legislator you are trying to speak to and fill out the short form they have for you.
Be prepared to wait at least 15-20 minutes for the legislator.
Have no more than 2-3 quick points ready, ideally with a more detailed informational handout to provide.
Do not expect to meet for more than 2-3 minutes, likely in the hallway, and show your gratitude for them finding the time.
Your Guide to Successful Legislator Meetings
Your Guide to Successful Legislator Meetings
How to Set Up a Meeting
How to Set Up a Meeting
Email or call them if you have already been introduced.
Remember to always defer to addressing them as Representative/Senator [Last Name]
Email their Legislative Assistant or their public email address.
All of their public email addresses are h[district number]@iga.in.gov for House members or s[district number]@iga.in.gov. (e.g., h1@iga.in.gov; s23@iga.in.gov)
Speak with the VP of Legislative Affairs to set up an introduction.
Reach out to the VP of Legislative Affairs at andrew@inleg.org to set up an introduction.
What to Do Before the Meeting
Make note of which committees they serve on or Chair. Keep in mind the type of issues that their committees cover.
Ask other members of your team or a person served to join you if they're available.
Read over talking points.
Reach out to let them know about the meeting.
What to Mention in a Meeting or Introduction Email
How many people you serve
How many people you employ
The types of programs and services you provide
What counties you serve
Any new programs, services, or changes to existing services since the previous budget cycle
Your priorities for the next year
What to Do After the Meeting
Send a thank you note.
Follow up with any information they asked for.
Contact them again in the next quarter to check in and be a resource.
Include an article about the meeting in your organization's newsletter.
Post a picture on social media and tag them.
Add them to your newsletter list.
Testifying at the Statehouse
Testifying at the Statehouse
Testifying in a Committee
Check when the committee meeting is, if the bill you are interested in is being heard, and if they are taking testimony. A bill scheduled for “Amend and Vote Only” will not have testimony taken.
Before testifying, research the committee and either attend a meeting in person or watch past meetings online at: http://iga.in.gov/legislative/2020/committees/
Arrive at least 15 minutes early to all committee meetings or there will most likely be no seating room left.
Fill out committee testimony card, available in the committee room, and turn it in so they know you want to testify.
Draft your comments in advance; never ramble or get off topic.
Keep to two or three concise points; 5 minutes max if possible. Testimony time may be further limited by the committee chair.
Coordinate with other speakers; build a team to make your case
Use credible facts, direct experience & testimonies.
Specifically voice whether you oppose the legislation, support, or support with concerns.
Offer to help the bill’s author or stakeholders if appropriate.
Wait for questions after you finish speaking and stay for the rest of the committee if at all possible. Questions may arise as the meeting unfolds.
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