How to Make the Most of a Town Hall Meeting

Tips for Asking a Candidate or Elected Official Questions in a Public Forum

1.  Do your research

• Get to know the person you'll be questioning by reviewing his/her past legislation and policy platforms.
• Call the campaign headquarters or your district office to find out the dates and times of upcoming town hall meetings or candidate forums.
• Try to find something the elected official or candidate has done that you can thank him/her for publicly.

2.  Prepare your question(s)

• Tailor your question(s) to the event and make them relevant.
• Make sure you have your facts straight.
• Remember, a good question is short and to the point.

3.  Stay on message

• Focus on the major point you're trying to make.
• Don't let yourself be distracted from your prepared question.
• Use clear, jargon-free language.
• Be polite but firm.  There is no need to interrupt anyone.

4.  Work in teams

• Asking different questions on the same subject is likely to have greater impact and give your issue more exposure.
• Prepare several questions so that each person has a different question to ask.
• Be sure the most important question(s) get asked first in case you run out of time.
• Don't sit together.  Spread out within the audience.
• Arrange beforehand to have someone take notes during the meeting.

5.  Follow up

• Leave with a clear idea on how to follow up with the appropriate staff members.
• Be sure your follow-up communication refers back to the specific event you attended, the question(s) you asked, and how the elected official or candidate answered.
• Always mention any relevant media coverage of the event.

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