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SINGLE STATS: Singles Can Help Change the Face of Politics From Singles, The Magazine for Today's Single This may be the perfect time for singles to get involved in politics. We're between elections but that doesn't mean the political party or cause of your choice doesn't need help. But it does mean there may not be as many volunteers around so you'll have even more choices in what you do. We're 3-1/2 years away from the next national election but just because most of us aren't paying attention to politics right now doesn't mean politicians aren't paying attention to us. Candidates already are beginning to appear in places like Iowa and New Hampshire, where the first primaries will be held in less than two years. We all know that candidates need volunteers right around election time. That's when your local party's headquarters is busy night and day. Volunteers may be making phone calls, passing out flyers, stuffing envelopes or even driving voters to and from the polls on election day. But even in off seasons, there are plenty of opportunities for volunteers. Both Republicans and Democrats are out raising funds for their state party candidates as well as for the parties themselves. And it's only about 1-1/2 years from the next Congressional election. Right now, states are deciding their political maps for the future. After every U.S. Census, the number of representatives in Congress changes to reflect the goal of one person-one vote. Every state has two senators but the number of representatives each state has depends on its population. In most states, the new maps are created by the Legislature. Many lines are drawn politically. In Iowa, there's a unique system where the Legislative Service Bureau, a nonpartisan agency, draws the maps. Lawmakers can vote the maps up or down, but can't gerrymander them. By the way, the term gerrymandering comes from Elbridge Gerry, who was the governor of Massachusetts. When determining boundaries for districts in his state in the early 1800s, he drew them to give his party the advantage. He went on to become vice president of the United States a few years later. New legislative district maps change the face of politics -- and often the faces in politics. Many potential candidates now are deciding whether or not to run for office and are beginning to raise support and money. Even if singles don't want to become candidates themselves, there are lots of opportunities for volunteering. Candidates need people to help with everything from stuffing envelopes to writing press releases. And when most of us aren't paying attention to politics, it can be a great time to get involved. You're more likely to get your pick of jobs -- and more likely to get better opportunities later on in the campaigns. You can start by checking out who's already announced he or she is running for office. If you'd rather not sign on with any one candidate this early, you also can contact your local party headquarters. Both Democrats and Republicans have offices in many areas around the country. If the office isn't currently staffed, you can find out who the head of the local party is and call them to volunteer. That information will be available from any party activist or by contacting your local newspaper. Or if there's a cause you're particularly interested in, you may be able to find a group working on it now that you can volunteer to help. Singles can find volunteering for politics a great way to meet other people with similar views. Who knows? It could lead to friendships, love or even a great job! Vote Smart offers details on voting records and other issues. www.vote-smart.org Republican National Committee www.rnc.org Democratic National Committee www.democrats.org |