Public Policy: Political Advocacy Pointers
The Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Political Advocacy Pointers are designed to serve as a resource to allow your voice to be heard.
How can my voice be heard?
- Become educated and vote on issues.
- Encourage family, friends, and employees to register and vote.
- Contact your Legislature by phone, email, letter, or visit
- Educate your friends, family, coworkers, and employees on issues
- Testify at City Council and County Commission hearings
- Volunteer on a political campaign
Election Information
How do I register to vote?
It is critical that you ensure your voter registration is up-to-date and correct. Anyone is eligible to vote who has the following criteria:
- U.S. citizenship
- At least 18 years old at the time of the election.
- A county resident at least 30 days prior to the election
- Not a convicted felon
You can always register to vote at county election departments, local banks, any local DMV, and most political party headquarters.
For more information go to: http://www.sboe.state.nc.us/items.aspx?id=1&s=1
How do I find out about elections in my area?
In addition to primary and general elections there can also be special elections held from time to time. A good resource to stay informed can be found at:
http://www.buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/election/electionSchedule.asp
Do your Research
How do I find further information on city, county, state, and federal government?
- Asheville: http://www.ashevillenc.gov/#
- Buncombe County: http://www.buncombecounty.org/
- NC State Legislature: http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/
- NC Governor’s Office: http://www.governor.state.nc.us/
- U.S. Senate: http://www.senate.gov/
- U.S. House of Representatives: http://www.house.gov/
- White House: www.whitehouse.gov
How do I research a bill?
- http://thomas.loc.gov/ : The Library of Congress is a great place to track federal legislative action. Here you can search bills by bill number or by key words.
- http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/ : The N.C. General Assembly website also allows you to track N.C. legislation by bill number or by key words.
Communicating with Elected Officials
How do I communicate with elected officials?
Many business owners do not realize how a simple letter, phone call or email can influence legislators. This is especially true if you are able to initiate a letter writing campaign. Educating employees and other business owners on issues that are important to your company and politically motivating them is highly effective. The following tips will help you persuade legislators and make your communications more effective.
Tips for communicating with elected officials:
- Identify yourself. Make sure the legislator is aware that you live or do business in his/her district.
- Personalize your letter. Elected officials need to know how the legislation will affect your business.
- Be specific. Refer to bill numbers whenever possible.
- Ask for the legislator's support or opposition.
- Keep to the facts. Avoid emotional arguments.
- Keep communication respectful. Never threaten your Legislator.
- Use your letterhead. Sign the letter and provide your contact information.
- Remember that in some cities, the elected official is unpaid and often has another job or has his or her own business.
Testifying on Issues you care about
How do I testify on issues I care about?
At some point, you may want to provide testimony during a City Council or County Commission hearing. We can help prepare you for such an event, if you are testifying on an issue for which the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is taking a stand. Please notify us in advance when you are planning to provide testimony at 828-258-6122 or email Jeff Joyce at jjoyce@ashevillechamber.org.
When should I provide testimony?
We at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce believe that our members can provide a unique and personal view on issues. In certain circumstances, we may call upon you to directly represent your company, and to provide testimony.
How do I schedule a time to submit testimony?
If you wish to testify on an issue, you can visit the county, city or state web site to see where your issue falls on the agenda. Show up early for Council or County Commission hearings, and allow yourself plenty of time. Often hearings can go long or short, so you should be prepared to testify earlier than you had intended or later than you anticipated.
Do I need to sign up to testify?
Yes. Generally, there will be a sign up sheet or card outside or just inside the chambers. Provide all of the information required on the card.
How do I address the elected officials?
Your opening remarks should always contain a formal introduction to the body, your name, and whom you are representing. Here is an example: "Thank you Mr. (Madame) Chair and Commissioner (for City Council: "Thank you Mr. (Madame) Mayor, Mr. (Madame) Vice-Mayor, and members of City Council. My name is (insert name) and I am here today representing (insert company)." You can begin your testimony after a formal introduction is made. You will have two to three minutes depending on where you are speaking. Many people feel more comfortable reading a prepared statement. This enables you to touch on specific points you might forget once you are sitting at the testimony table. Remember to speak slowly, clearly and into the microphone provided. Want to see how you did? You can watch yourself on your local public access channel; air times are provided by the clerk.
What if they ask me questions?
Sometimes members of the Commission or Council will ask you a question about your testimony. The proper response to any member asking a question is to acknowledge the person asking the question and then answer the question: "Thank you Mr. (Madame) Chair…"Everyone gets nervous, even seasoned professionals. Our best advice is to be calm, and to stick to your notes or prepared statement.
Remember the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is here to serve our members. Please feel free to contact our Public Policy Department with any questions you may have at 828-258-6122.