Who represents you, and what you vote on next
Start with your ZIP code. Because ZIP codes can cross district lines, we send you to the official address-level lookups for anything that has to be exact — and show the local bodies and debates in your area.
ZIP — is in your state. A ZIP code can span more than one congressional, legislative or council district, so confirm with the address-level tools below before you contact an office.
Local government near you
1. Your federal representatives
- house.gov — find your US representative by ZIP+4
- senate.gov — contact your two US senators
- congress.gov — voting records and sponsored bills
2. Your state legislators
- Open States — find your state senator and representative by address
- USA.gov — your state government directory
State legislators decide what your city is allowed to do at all: preemption laws on housing, wages, rentals and policing start here. See preemption in the glossary.
3. Your local officials
City council members, county commissioners and school board members are usually elected by district — and are the officials most likely to answer an email personally.
- Open the local government directory for council contacts, meeting schedules and agendas
- Find your next public meeting
- Guide: find every official who represents you
4. Register and vote
- vote.gov — register to vote or check your registration
- Your state or county election office
- US Election Assistance Commission — voter resources
Next national election: the 2026 general election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Many cities, counties and school districts also hold elections on other dates — odd-year municipal elections, spring school board races and special elections routinely decide local policy with turnout under 20%. Your county election office publishes the local calendar.
5. Know your rights at a meeting
- Open meetings laws require public bodies to notice meetings and post agendas in advance.
- Most states guarantee a chance to address the body before it acts, subject to reasonable time limits.
- Public records laws let you request the staff reports, emails and contracts behind an agenda item.