Participating in Legislative Activity
Citizens are welcome to participate in the legislative process at the New Jersey State House.
Legislative sessions and committee meetings usually occur on Monday and Thursday. Public galleries on the second floor of the State House allow for citizens to observe voting sessions. The Senate President and General Assembly Speaker establish standards for access and decorum, which are enforced by sergeants-at-arms. Access to special events, such as an address by the Governor, may require a seating pass.
Committee rooms are located in the State House Annex. Some meetings are held remotely with live streaming on the legislative website. Committee chairs determine matters of protocol. Advance registration to provide testimony usually is required and arranged by the committee aide.
Citizens seeking to address legislators may wait in public corridors, with the expectation they will not impede anyone’s progress, hold signs or create a disturbance. Public events and displays inside the capitol are coordinated through the Public Use Program. Outside gatherings require a permit from the State Police (609-984-4222).
Notice of legislative activity is provided in the Legislative Calendar, which is produced by the Office of Legislative Services Legislative Information and Bill Room. Located in Room B-1 of the State House Annex, the Legislative Information and Bill Room provides public information resources, manages portions of the legislative website, and responds to inquiries regarding legislative activity.
The Citizens’ Guide includes useful information for State House visitors interested in civic engagement, including a photo directory of the members, seating charts and basic wayfinding information.
Additional information is available under “Planning a Visit,” including driving directions and special needs accommodations.
Getting Involved
A representative democracy is a system of government where people elect officials to make policy. Since the power of government comes from the people, it is important to engage in civic responsibilities.
Look, Listen and Learn
Getting involved with democracy and your local government can start with gathering information from reliable resources, including: newspapers, television and radio shows; websites and government publications; and from talking with and listening to other people interested in public policy. These types of outlets can keep you informed of what is going on in your community. It’s good practice to consult a variety of sources in order to form a thoughtful opinion of issues.
Contact Your Representatives
Write a letter, call or email a government official to express your concerns or ideas. Legislators are especially interested in hearing from their constituents since their work is centered in creating laws to address problems. Doing research (as explained above) should help to ensure your comments are given consideration.
Join Forces
You may want to find other people or organizations that value the same ideas as you. Working as a group will help to raise more awareness of your concerns and possibly help to build support. You may start or sign a petition to show other people share your concerns. Public rallies and marches also show widespread interest in an issue.
Speak Up
You can speak up by attending public hearings or ask to speak at committee meetings. Be prepared to share accurate, well-reasoned ideas and to answer questions. You can also speak up by using bumper stickers, wearing t-shirts or using lawn signs; these ideas are just a few everyday tools you can use to spread your message.
