Deepa Karthik from NJ Explains 5 Key Civic Engagement Steps for New Voters

Deepa Karthik from NJ is a Program Manager and the Executive Director of the HinduVote project, led by HinduPACT. She empowers the American Hindu community through civic education and advocacy, helping people understand their roles as active citizens. Deepa Karthik NJ shares five key steps to guide new voters on how to engage in civic life. These steps will help first-time voters participate confidently and make their voices heard in every election. Civic engagement plays a powerful role in shaping communities and building a fair society.

1. Deepa Karthik from NJ Explains
5 Key Civic Engagement Steps
for New Voters
www.deepakarthiknj.com

2. Introduction
Deepa Karthik from NJ is a Program Manager and
the Executive Director of the HinduVote project,
led by HinduPACT. She empowers the American
Hindu community through civic education and
advocacy, helping people understand their roles as
active citizens. Deepa Karthik NJ shares five key
steps to guide new voters on how to engage in civic
life. These steps will help first-time voters
participate confidently and make their voices
heard in every election.

3. 1. Learn About the Voting Process
Understanding how voting works is the first step
toward civic participation. Many new voters feel
unsure about where to start, but learning about
registration deadlines, polling locations, and
different ways to vote can make the process simple.
Every state has its own rules, so it’s important to
check local election websites for accurate details.
Voters should also know about early voting, mail-in
ballots, and ID requirements. When people
understand how elections work, they feel more
confident in taking part.

4. 2. Stay Informed About Candidates
Before voting, it’s essential to understand who and
what you are voting for. Staying informed helps
ensure that each decision made at the ballot box is
based on facts, not assumptions. Reading reliable
news sources, attending community meetings, and
reviewing candidate websites can give voters a
clear picture of the policies and values each
candidate represents. It’s also important to look
into local ballot measures and community issues,
not just national ones. Every vote counts, from
local school boards to national offices.

5. 3. Participate in Community Discussions
Civic engagement goes beyond casting a vote. It
also includes being an active member of your
community. New voters can attend town hall
meetings, join local civic groups, or volunteer for
community causes. These activities create
opportunities to share ideas, learn from others,
and understand different perspectives. Engaging in
respectful discussions allows citizens to connect
with their neighbors and work together for the
common good. By taking part in these
conversations, individuals strengthen their sense.

6. 4. Encourage Others to Get Involved
One of the strongest ways to support democracy is
to inspire others to participate. Many people do
not vote simply because they are unaware of the
process or think their vote doesn’t matter. Sharing
information with friends, family, and coworkers
can help change that. New voters can remind
others about registration deadlines, provide links
to trustworthy election resources, or even organize
small discussions about why voting matters. When
people see others getting involved, they are more
likely to join in.

7. 5. Continue Learning and Taking Action
Civic engagement doesn’t end after an election.
True participation means continuing to learn
about social, economic, and political issues that
affect daily life. Attending community events,
joining civic workshops, or supporting local
initiatives helps citizens stay active and informed.
It’s also important to follow up on how elected
officials perform after they take office. Writing to
representatives, sharing feedback, or joining public
discussions are ways to stay engaged beyond the
ballot box.

8. Thank You