How Town Halls Work (Mostly)

Senators and Members of Congress may hold open town halls for members of the public.
This is a long-held tradition for Oregon’s US Senators.

Town halls are not political events. They are official business and typically are not
partisan. All are welcome.

Typically, the venue doors open 30 minutes to an hour before the town hall. There will be a
sign-in table and tickets available. If your ticket is drawn, you can ask a question or make a
comment. Often the politician will have comment forms where you can submit written
questions or comments. (You can bring a letter and other materials and present those to
staff if you wish.)

Plan to show up 15 minutes early so you can park and find a seat. Do not bring a large bag
or backpack. You may be able to bring a sign, but rules vary depending on the event rules.

Expect that the politician will be welcomed by the venue host and introduced by a
moderator. Typically, there is a Pledge of Allegiance, or the National Anthem is sung. A
local moderator will spell out ground rules for the meeting and maintain order.

Before the meeting:

Read up on the official, their interests and accomplishments, voting records and the
committees they serve on. If there is a bill you want them to sign on to, look it up at
Congress.gov and see if they are already a sponsor. Be sure and provide the Bill Number
and title and a brief description of the legislation. (Official webpages for federal officials
follow.)

Identify and write down your questions or comments. You will have a limited time to
speak if your ticket number is called and likely only one question. It is good to have 2-3
separate questions prepared in advance, then if someone asks your question you can go to
the next.

There is no dress code for town halls.

Typically, there is no code of conduct for town halls. You will need to silence your cell
phone and are likely to get the best engagement if you speak courteously. You will wish to
treat other attendees with respect and courtesy even if you disagree with their views.

It is very good to tell a story, with examples of how the issue you care about affects you,
your family or community. This is not always possible, but it may give the elected official
something to work on concerning policy, funding or programs. YOUR words may have
some power and influence at the state and national level.

Oregon Senators and Congressional District 2 Representative

Senator Wyden’s official webpage: https://www.wyden.senate.gov/ and Finance
Committee page: https://www.wyden.senate.gov/. Senator Wyden is ranking member
(senior Democrat) on the Senate Finance Committee.

Senator Merkley’s official webpage: https://www.merkley.senate.gov/ and
https://www.budget.senate.gov/ Senator Merkley is ranking member (senior Democrat) on
the Budget Committee. He is also ranking member on the Interior & Environment
appropriations subcommittee.

Representative Bentz’s official webpage: https://bentz.house.gov/. Representative Bentz
serves on two committees, the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Energy
and Commerce Committee.