At its best, social media can help elected officials connect with their voters and share their work with constituents. By adapting popular content formats, you can make legislative updates more engaging and help voters understand the legislative process.
Here are five social media trends you can use to share your work at the capitol in ways that inform and connect with your community.
Get Ready With Me (#GRWM)
Start your morning by posting a quick rundown of your day ahead. List your committee meetings, votes, and major events. Add a photo of your schedule or desk to make it more personal. Keep these posts simple but informative.
Include times, bill numbers, and specific groups you’re meeting. This helps constituents track important bills and shows them how you spend your time serving them. Consider adding a quick wrap-up post at day’s end highlighting key moments or decisions.
Collab Content
Turn your stakeholder meetings into engaging social content. When groups visit the capitol, take a quick photo or video with them and share their story.
Keep the focus on your visitors and their work. Tag their social media accounts, share a key fact about their cause, and explain how their input helps shape policy. This shows constituents you’re listening to community voices and helps local organizations get more visibility for their work.
POV (Point of View)
Use quick, first-person videos to share your take on the day’s legislative developments. Record yourself walking through the capitol or sitting in your office as you explain your position on a bill or react to a committee vote. Keep it genuine and conversational - constituents want to hear your real thoughts.
Mix up your formats to keep it interesting. Use photos with detailed captions for complex issues, quick video reactions for breaking news, or do a voice-over while showing relevant footage. For example: “Just left the budget hearing. Here’s my take on the proposed education funding changes…”
Explain Like I’m 5 (#ELI5)
Break down complex legislative issues into simple terms everyone can understand. Start with the basics: “We’re debating a bill about school funding. One side wants to increase funding through property taxes. The other side wants to use state reserves. Here’s what each approach would mean for our district…”
Use everyday examples and simple analogies to explain complicated policies. Avoid political jargon and insider terms. Show both sides of the debate fairly, even if you disagree with one position. Consider using a whiteboard or props to make your explanations more visual and memorable.
Behind The Scenes (#BTS)
Give followers a window into the less visible parts of legislative work. Film quick walks through the capitol building, show what it looks like sitting in committee rooms, or capture moments before big votes. These glimpses help constituents understand how their government actually works.
Share the small but interesting details of legislative life: the voting button at your desk, the underground tunnels between buildings, or the historic artwork in the capitol. These behind-the-scenes moments help humanize the otherwise esoteric legislative process.
Conclusion
The key to effective social media during session is consistency and authenticity. Pick two or three of these formats that feel natural to you and fit your schedule. Focus on creating regular content that gives constituents genuine insight into your work and the legislative process.
Remember that most voters don’t follow every detail of state government and your updates can help them stay informed and engaged with issues that affect their daily lives.
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