Now, more than ever, it’s crucial that we all remain politically informed as we move through this defining moment in history. Keeping consistently up-to-date with the ins and outs of the political spectrum can seem daunting, but it’s an important commitment to make in order to ensure that your voice is heard.

Whether you’ve always been politically aware, or are just starting to learn more about your local government, here are 5 ways that you can start to become more politically engaged-

Authentic fact-checking

Politicians tend to list off an endless list of facts that may or may not be true in the interest of gaining votes and public approval. Websites like factcheck.org are a great tool to see where numbers and generalizations in political discourse are coming from.

Know the bias of news

This is something to keep in mind as you read your newspapers of choice. While most news sources aim to be fair and impartial with their political coverage, it can be very hard to completely eliminate bias in writing about politically charged and controversial issues.

Listen to Political podcasts

The way we consume news has changed. If you find yourself feeling fatigued by constantly reading about political news, switch it up! There are plenty of podcasts, from a range of political backgrounds, which discuss topics that are important to you. However, remember to be aware of any potential bias from the hosts.

Think locally

Change starts at home. Who is your local representative? Are they discussing the issues that are important to you? Remember, they are meant to be a representation of your area, and if they’re not doing that, you are within your right to contact them and let them know which issues you think are important and need their attention.

Read Newspaper

It may seem obvious, but reading the newspaper is your first port-of-call when it comes to politics. Often, they will shed light on a topical issue and act as a great starting off point for you to research more into the nuances of the issues at hand. And don’t just read one, read a variety of papers that cover a wide spectrum of political topics.