How to Join the Democratic Party

The Democratic Party is one of two major political parties in the United States. With a history that goes back to Thomas Jefferson and the Bill of Rights, the Democratic Party has traditionally been known as the party of the common man and is considered the more liberal of the two major political parties. After understanding these steps, you will be ready to register as a member of the Democratic Party.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Do your homework. Understand what the Democratic Party stands for by examining the party's stance on issues. Look at the records of Democratic candidates and elected officials on both the local and national levels.

2. Contact your county election board to register to vote. At that time, you are invited to state your party affiliation—Democrat, Republican or Independent.

3. Specify the Democratic Party if you have previously registered to vote without declaring an affiliation. Registering for a specific party allows you to vote in that party's primaries and puts you on the party's mailing list for candidate information and campaign activities.

4. Volunteer to work for candidates or issues that you feel strongly about. Help by answering phones, canvassing, making donations or putting a support sign in your yard.
   

5. Let your elected officials know your opinion about bills coming up for a vote. It doesn't matter if you voted for them or not. What does matter is that your representative hears from constituents.

Tips & Warnings

• Take every opportunity to vote and encourage others around you to register to vote.
• Attend a debate. The League of Women Voters often sponsors debates among candidates. You can also check with your local Democratic Party office.
• Politics can be a hot and heavy topic among friends and family members. Sometimes the best thing to do is to agree to disagree.