Reference Shelf: Voters' Rights by 
Say It Louder! by 
Organizing While Undocumented: immigrant youth's political activism under the law by 
Image source: "Civic Engagement." youth.gov, https://youth.gov/youth-topics/civic-engagement-and-volunteering
Civic engagement "means working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values, and motivation to make that difference. It means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes" (Ehrlich, 2000).
Ehrlich, T. (2000). Civic Responsibility and Higher Education. Oryx Press.
Voting isn't just a civic duty—it's your chance to make a difference! Whether you're backing a candidate, supporting a cause, or shaping the future of your community, casting your ballot sends a powerful message. Dive into the history of voting in the United States and explore ways to participate in civic engagement with resources from the PC Library.
There are many ways that you can work for change, both as a student and as a political citizen. Just by reading through this guide, you're already making a difference in becoming an informed voter!
The following is a list of things that you can do to help make a difference, no matter your political alignment.
VOTE!: Head to the polls during the upcoming Presidential election to have your say on the national leadership that shapes policies that affect your daily life. Check out the resources listed on this guide to become an informed voter and find your polling place on Election Day.
Sign Petitions: When you see petitioners collecting signatures, lend your support by adding your name to the list. You can even volunteer to gather signatures yourself! Remember to follow the rules for signing carefully.
Contact Your Legislator(s): Reach out to your legislators via phone or email to express your opinions on important issues. Don't hesitate to contact them multiple times—it's important that they hear from you! Find your Arizona reps in the U.S. Congress as well as Arizona reps in the AZ Legislature.
Make Your Voice Heard: Sign petitions, contact your legislators, write letters to the editor of your local newspaper, and sign up for Request to Speak (use the sign up instructions to help guide you) to voice your stance on pending bills in the Arizona Legislature. Let your representatives know where you stand on key issues.
Support Your Candidates: Sign a candidate nominating petition and/or contribute a $5 qualification contribution to a candidate’s clean election run for office using the E-Qual system, available for registered voters. This system allows voters to support candidates online - no need to leave home! The only information that's needed are an Arizona driver license or identification card and date of birth.
Volunteer: Explore volunteer opportunities online or become a poll worker on Election Day. Every effort counts!
Find an Organization: Join a club or organization or club on campus that shares your political ideals. Phoenix College offers a variety of clubs and organizations for students to join.
Become a PC (Precinct Committee Person): A PC person registers voters, talks to other voters in his/her precinct to strategize and answer questions, and organizes/mobilizes both party members to ensure they commit to voting (in both midterms and general elections), as well as campaigns for party candidates in their Legislative District and Precinct. Note: you will only contact voters in your party. Find more info on becoming a PC Person in Maricopa County.
Run for Local Office Openings: Consider running for positions such as City Council or School Board. Find information on what it takes to run through the City of Phoenix or through Maricopa County Voter Registration and Elections.
Run for State or Federal Office: Find all the information you need to run for state or federal office on the Arizona Secretary of State website. Your voice matters—make it count!
