Community-Based Voter Power

Public policy is not abstract. It determines the quality of our schools, the safety of our neighborhoods, the condition of our roads, the protection of our air and water, how public dollars are spent, and whether government responds to the communities it serves. Every election shapes those decisions.

ELLA Adelante works to build community-based voter power by helping residents understand how local government functions and why local elections matter. We demystify politics by breaking down the responsibilities of school boards, city councils, county commissions, ports, and other public bodies so people understand who makes decisions, what authority they have, and how those decisions affect daily life.

Our work includes year-round civic education, voter engagement, and Get Out the Vote (GOTV) efforts that encourage informed participation in elections. We provide practical information about the issues facing our communities and evaluate where candidates stand on the policies that matter most to our community-rooted values, including accountable government, equitable access to public resources, transparent decision-making, and meaningful public participation. Our goal is to ensure they have the information needed to make informed decisions.

Voting is only one part of democratic participation. Lasting change requires residents who attend public meetings, understand budgets and public policy, hold elected officials accountable, serve on boards and commissions, and participate in decisions before they are made. Communities with informed and engaged residents are better positioned to influence the policies that shape their future.

Building voter power means building public understanding. When more people know how government works, who is making decisions, and how to participate effectively, communities are better equipped to protect their interests and secure the resources they deserve.

Our Work

• Year-round civic education on local government and public decision-making.
• Community-centered Get Out the Vote (GOTV) outreach.
• Information about local elections, public offices, and policy issues.
• Education on the roles and responsibilities of school boards, city councils, county commissions, ports, and other governing bodies.
• Emerging Leaders education that examines alignment with community-rooted values and participatory governance.
• Training residents to participate in public meetings, advisory boards, and local commissions.
• Building long-term civic participation beyond Election Day.

Our Work

• Community-Based Voter Power
• Endorsements
• Endorsement Process
• Campaigns
• Candidate Development
• Emerging Leaders 2
• Our Policy Work