Final answer:
Citizens 18 and older can participate in the political process through voting in elections, contacting elected officials, running for office, donating to campaigns, and engaging with interest groups. Registering to vote before elections is a prerequisite. Non-voting activities include attending rallies, signing petitions, and participating in various campaigns.
Step-by-step explanation:
Citizens who are 18 and older can get involved directly in the political process in several ways:
- Voting in local, state, and national elections, including primaries, to select party nominees and vote on public office holders.
- Making their voices heard by writing letters or sending emails to elected representatives, expressing their opinions on various issues.
- Participating in the civic process by running for public office or serving as an election official and engaging in jury duty.
- Donating money to political parties or candidates that align with their values and goals.
- Starting or joining interest groups to advocate for specific issues or policies they care about.
Individuals need to register to vote before participating in elections, and many states allow online registration. Apart from voting, citizens can attend political rallies, sign petitions, and even start their own to advocate for change. Engaging in politics is also possible by following elected officials on social media, participating in initiative, referendum, and recall campaigns, or attending public meetings to stay involved in the democratic process.