By finding leaders who are committed to making informed, impactful decisions for our communities, we can both support better local governance and build a solid foundation for the growth of the Forward Party. Here's how to get started:

  1. Understand Local Government Structure
    • Learn how your city or county government is structured. Most cities have a city council and mayor, while counties have supervisors and elected officials like sheriffs or district attorneys. Check your city or county’s website for details on the roles and responsibilities of each position.

  2. Attend Local Meetings
    • Attend city council, county board, or school board meetings. These meetings are often streamed online or recorded. You can see how current officials govern and identify potential candidates based on their performance.

  3. Research Current Officials & Candidates
    • Use platforms like Ballotpedia, Vote411, or your county’s election office website to research current elected officials and upcoming candidates. Look for candidates with a track record of data-driven, community-focused decision-making.
    • Attending or viewing candidate forums is an even better way to learn about candidates - the League of Women Voters hosts many such forums, and you can also search directly for forums near you on Eventbrite.
    • Probably the best way to get to know candidates is to meet them - check their websites for their public events, and ask them some questions in person!

  4. Follow Local News & Advocacy Groups
    • Stay informed through local newspapers, radio, community blogs, or online newsletters on Substack. Local political coverage highlights key issues and up-and-coming leaders. Also, follow advocacy groups aligned with issues you care about to see which candidates they support.
    • AllSides is a great tool that you can use to check media sources for bias.

  5. Join Community Networks
    • Engage with neighborhood associations, community groups, and local online forums (like Nextdoor or Facebook groups). These spaces often discuss pressing issues and can help you spot candidates who are actively solving local problems.

  6. Look for Data-Driven Leaders
    • Seek candidates who prioritize data in decision-making—those who use evidence to tackle complex local issues like housing, education, and public safety. Good candidates should have clear, actionable policies backed by facts, not just rhetoric.

By staying informed, attending meetings, and engaging with your community, you can identify strong local candidates who will make a real difference!

 

Resources:

  • Ballotpedia: Comprehensive info on local candidates and government structure.
  • Vote411: Research your ballot and compare candidates.
  • League of Women Voters: Local election info and candidate forums.
  • City/County Websites: Find official meeting schedules and documents.
  • AllSides: Check media sources for bias.

 

Rick Chen

About

Co-chair, Forward Party of California. Our people and communities should be thriving, not merely surviving. I'm fired up to be a part of this movement, and I'm here to stay.