2026 Involvement Guide

Yes, you. Or someone you know.

Local and state offices shape our daily lives far more than most people realize. From schools to roads to housing to public safety, these positions matter deeply.

Offices Up for Election in 2026:

• U.S. House of Representatives

• Indiana State Senate

• Indiana House of Representatives

• County offices (such as Commissioner, Assessor, Recorder, Township Boards, Surveyor, Coroner, etc.)

• Judicial offices (varies by year and court)

You do not need to be wealthy, well-connected, or a “political type” to run.
You need:

• A commitment to your community

• A willingness to learn

• The courage to try

The Monroe County Democratic Party can help you understand:

• What office fits your experience and interests

• Filing deadlines and requirements

• What campaigning actually looks like day-to-day

• How to build a team so you’re never doing it alone

💡 Even exploring the idea helps strengthen our bench for future cycles.

Not ready to run? That’s okay! Campaigns run on people power.

Think about what issues matter to you:

• Healthcare, climate change, the future of AI, foreign policy, environmental protections, etc.?
  → Support a congressional candidate

• Public schools, infrastructure, reproductive rights, housing affordability, worker protections, etc.?
  → Support a state legislative candidate

• Local services, zoning, public safety, community investment, etc.?
  → Support a county-level candidate

Ways to Help a Campaign:

• Canvass (knock doors - it’s still the most effective tool we have)

• Phone bank or text bank

• Help with data entry or research

• Host a house party or meet-and-greet

• Design graphics, write copy, or manage social media

• Drive materials or help with event setup

There is a role for every personality type - introverts included!

If you’re looking for a place to plug in right now, this is it!

The Monroe County Democratic Party runs on people power, and that means there is a role for everyone, no matter your schedule, skill set, or experience level.

Whether you want to be front-and-center or behind the scenes, we can put your talents to work in ways that matter.

Help Us Build a Bench!

Help us to keep show up strong and visible in the community:

• Staff community events, fairs, and festivals

• Welcome neighbors at open houses

• Help set up, break down, and keep things running smoothly

• Be a friendly point of contact for folks who are curious, new, or ready to get involved

These moments are often someone’s first interaction with the party and you can make it a great one!

Use Your Professional Skills

If your strengths are more technical or specialized, we need you too:

• IT & tech support (databases, troubleshooting, digital tools)

• Legal support (election law, compliance, governance)

• Finance & fundraising assistance

• Administrative & organizational support at HQ

• Graphic design, writing, and communications

These behind-the-scenes roles are critical to keeping the party strong, compliant, and effective.

There’s a Spot for You!

Only have an hour here and there? Perfect!
Want to dive in every week? Even better!
Not sure what you want to do yet? We’ll help you figure it out!

Whatever you’re interested in doing, we can find a spot for you! This is a team effort. It’s hands-on, it’s meaningful, and it’s honestly a lot of fun. Come build something with us!

You don’t need permission to start.

Scripts for Letters & Phone Calls

• Call your elected officials  (Yes, they track calls!)

• Write letters to the editor

• Email decision-makers about local issues

We can provide:

• Sample scripts

• Talking points

• Guidance on who to contact and when

How to Organize Your Friends

• Start a group chat

• Host a casual coffee meetup

• Invite friends to canvass together

• Share events and volunteer opportunities

Organizing doesn’t have to be formal.
It just has to be intentional.

Staying informed is important - doomscrolling is not.

We encourage a healthy media diet that includes:

• Local journalism (where real accountability happens)

• Independent and nonprofit news outlets

• Community newsletters and issue-focused reporting

Local news helps you understand:

• What decisions are being made right here

• Who is responsible

• Where pressure can make a difference

Democratic values don’t stop at the ballot box. Volunteer with local organizations that align with your values:

• Mutual aid and food access groups

• Housing and homelessness advocacy

• Reproductive justice organizations

• Environmental and climate groups

• Labor and worker advocacy organizations

Strong communities create strong democracies.

https://www.bloomingtonvolunteernetwork.org

If you want to shape local policy without running for office, serving on a City of Bloomington board or commission is one of the most impactful ways to do it.

These boards and commissions are where much of the real, day-to-day work of local government happens. They review proposals, advise elected officials, and help guide decisions that directly affect how our city grows, spends money, and serves residents.

Why This Matters

Boards and Commissions:

• Provide oversight and accountability

• Bring community voices and expertise into government decisions

• Shape recommendations on housing, transportation, public safety, climate, and more

This is where values become policy - and where informed, engaged residents make a real difference.  

Find more information here: https://www.bloomington.in.gov/boards