Every American is represented by multiple elected officials at the federal, state, and local levels. Knowing who they are is the first step to making your voice heard on the issues that matter to you.
Every state elects two US Senators who serve six-year terms. Senators represent the entire state and vote on federal legislation, confirm presidential appointments, and ratify treaties. Senate terms are staggered so that roughly one-third of the Senate is up for election every two years.
You have one Representative in the US House based on your congressional district. House members serve two-year terms and are up for election every even-numbered year. The total number of voting House members is fixed at 435 by the Permanent Apportionment Act of 1929, with seats distributed among states based on the census conducted every ten years.
Use the My Democracy legislator directory to find your US Senators and House Representative. You can also search by state on Congress.gov.
Every state except Nebraska has a bicameral legislature with a state senate and a state house (or assembly). Nebraska has a single-chamber (unicameral) legislature. Your state legislators handle issues like education funding, transportation, criminal justice, and healthcare policy.
State legislative districts are smaller than congressional districts, so your state officials serve fewer people and are often more accessible. Visit your state's page on My Democracy to find your state legislators and learn about your state's legislative session schedule.
Local government varies by jurisdiction, but you are typically represented by a mayor or county executive, city council members or county commissioners, and a school board. These officials make decisions about zoning, property taxes, policing, parks, water systems, and local schools.
To find your local officials, check your city or county government website, or search USA.gov's elected officials page.
Find your officials and contact them about the issues you care about.
Write to Your Officials