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Every election, voters cast their ballots to have a say in the governments that pass and implement the many policies that shape their lives.
But democratic participation doesn’t have to end on election night. There are countless ways to stay politically engaged, advocate for the changes you want to see and continue to influence the policy-making process beyond voting.
Community advocates, political scientists, candidates and politicians say democracy offers far more ways to participate than just casting a ballot.
First, understand the system.
Respecting the outcome of the electoral process is key to maintaining a democracy.
“That’s the democratic process,” Renee Henderson Earls, chief executive officer of the Odessa Chamber of Commerce, said. “We go to the polls and elect someone. It may not be the person you voted for, but it’s who the majority voted …