Its election season, and that means opportunities to ask questions of political candidates. Asking thoughtful questions in a public or private setting can help the candidate understand what is important to voters. If the forum is in public, its also an opportunity to educate the candidate(s) and the audience about an issue that is important to you.

Here are some tips:

Prepare in advance. Spend a few minutes prior to the meeting identifying the exact question you want to ask and any information that you want to raise. You may also want to prepare a “second choice” question, in case someone else in the audience asks a similar question first.

Be clear and concise. Think through your comments in advance, and do not give a speech. Remember to keep your question brief.

Introduce yourself, ask your question, and make a specific request that requires a specific answer. Say your name and where you are from so the legislator knows you are a constituent. If you have expertise on the issue you are speaking about, note that in five words or less. Then, make one or two statements about the issue you are concerned about and why it’s important to you and your community. Finish by asking the legislator to give his or her position on the issue or to state whether or not he or she will take a particular action.

Here are a few things you might ask about:

Healthcare:

Medicaid expansion supports Montana’s health care system, strengthens our labor force, improves our economy, and supports access to care for all Montanans. When this program comes up for renewal in 2025, will you vote to continue access to healthcare for working Montanans?

Housing:

Montana has been in the news because housing in Montana is the least affordable in the country. It would take a minimum wage worker in Cascade County 71 work hours a week to afford a 2-bedroom home at Fair Market Rent. The lowest income renters makeup 24% of all renter households. Will you vote to invest in policy solutions that ensure every Montanan has a home?

Childcare:

The Health department estimates that Montana’s current childcare supply meets less than 45% of the statewide demand. Lack of childcare is preventing some 11% of our labor force from full employment. Policies that foster financial stability and growth for childcare providers are critically important now. What measures will you take in the legislature to improve the lives of Montana families who rely on childcare?