How to Talk to a Politician
Politics can be a touchy subject for many people. Regardless of your political leanings or philosophies, it is important to act and speak with decorum and respect when addressing any politician, whether the politician represents your preferred political party or is from an opposing party.
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Instructions
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Remember that all politicians, or political candidates, whether they are newly elected or incumbents, really believe that they are doing what is best for the constituents.
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Always address a politician by both their political title and name.
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If a candidate is running for political office for the first time, you may address them as "ma'am" or "sir," "Mr." or "Ms." and then their last names.
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Make a list of questions you want to ask the politician or political candidate. Make your questions simple and to the point so that the person you are questioning can give you a concise and fairly quick answer, as there will be many other people wanting to ask questions or bring up concerns, also.
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If a political candidate is an incumbent (someone who is currently serving or has served a political term in the past) and you want to know how they voted on an issue that is important to you, feel free to ask, since this will help you decide how you may want to vote in an upcoming election at a local, state or national level.
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Do not hesitate to ask a candidate or current political figure what factors they into account in deciding how to vote on a particular issue or for a particular bill.
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Always speak calmly and with respect, using verbal etiquette and avoiding swearing or foul language, even if you are angered by a vote that took place, dislike the politician or disagree with their political philosophies.
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Go to your local library or online to congressional and senatorial websites to find out how your candidate or the politician currently holding office voted on different bills or referendums, and how they voted on the committee they sit on. This will help you prepare questions to ask them (see Resources below).
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Tips & Warnings
Politicians and political candidates are almost always ready and willing to field questions and concerns from constituents and voters, so do not feel nervous or that you are imposing on their time.
Remember that politicians need your votes in order to get into office or be re-elected to an office.
How a politician voted on issues and bills that come to the floor at the local, state or national level is a matter of public record at places like your local library or online at congressional or senatorial websites.
