Attend Town Halls

Town halls are where representatives meet constituents face-to-face. Your presence and questions can make a real impact.

Why Town Halls Matter

Town halls put representatives on the record in front of their constituents and media. They're one of the few opportunities for direct, public accountability. Elected officials notice when town halls are well-attended — and when constituents are organized.

Before the Town Hall

Find Events

  • • Check your representative's website and social media
  • • Sign up for their newsletter
  • • Use Town Hall Project to find events
  • • Watch for "telephone town halls" (call-in events)
  • • Don't forget state and local officials' meetings

Prepare Your Question

  • • Focus on ONE specific issue
  • • Research the representative's position beforehand
  • • Write your question down (you may be nervous)
  • • Keep it under 30 seconds
  • • End with a clear yes/no question if possible

Coordinate with Others

  • • Go with a group if possible
  • • Spread out in the room
  • • Coordinate different questions on your priority issues
  • • Plan to record and document

At the Town Hall

Arrive Early

Get there 30+ minutes early to get a good seat. Sit near a microphone or in the representative's line of sight. Sign up to ask a question if there's a sign-up sheet.

Asking Your Question

  • • Stand up, speak clearly, and state your name
  • • Be respectful but firm
  • • Share a brief personal story if relevant
  • • Ask your specific question
  • • If they dodge, politely ask for a direct answer

Sample Question Format

"My name is [NAME], and I'm from [CITY]. [BRIEF PERSONAL STORY — 1-2 sentences]. Will you commit to [SPECIFIC ASK]? Yes or no?"

Dos and Don'ts

Do:

  • • Be respectful and civil
  • • Record the event (check local laws)
  • • Applaud questions you agree with
  • • Hold signs (if permitted)
  • • Stay until the end
  • • Thank the representative for holding the event
  • • Follow up afterward

Don't:

  • • Shout over others or the representative
  • • Make personal attacks
  • • Monopolize time with long speeches
  • • Get physical or aggressive
  • • Give them an excuse to end early
  • • Forget that media may be present

After the Town Hall

Document and Share

  • • Write down what was said while it's fresh
  • • Share videos of notable moments
  • • Tag local media if something newsworthy happened
  • • Debrief with your group

Follow Up

  • • Send a thank-you note to the representative's office
  • • Reference specific commitments they made
  • • Ask for follow-up on unanswered questions
  • • Hold them accountable to what they said publicly

Keep the Pressure On

  • • One town hall isn't enough — attend regularly
  • • If they stop holding town halls, that's also a story
  • • Organize your own "empty chair" town hall if they won't show up

Resources