What is political participation?

Political participation encompasses a wide variety of activities that citizens engage in to influence their government and its policies. This includes not only voting in elections but also activities such as campaigning, contacting elected officials, attending town hall meetings, joining political organizations, and protesting. By defining political participation in such a broad way, it recognizes that citizens have multiple avenues to express their preferences and concerns about political issues.

This understanding is essential because it reflects the diverse ways in which individuals can engage with their political system, illustrating that participation is not limited to formal electoral processes. While voting is a fundamental component of democracy, effective political engagement involves a range of actions that contribute to shaping political outcomes and holding leaders accountable.