I hope readers have been following my series of op-eds on ways to improve our political system. This is the final installment. For those who haven’t read the earlier pieces, here’s a brief summary.

There is widespread, bipartisan agreement that our political system is broken. Fortunately, it can be repaired through reforms most Americans already support. First, voting should be made more convenient by allowing in-person voting over a two-week period. Second, we can improve candidate quality by instituting term limits. Doing so will reduce entrenched power and encourage new candidates. Third, campaign finance reform would curb the influence of wealth and return power – at least some of it – to ordinary voters. Finally, replacing our “winner-takes-all” system with proportional representation would end gerrymandering, create space for more political parties, and ensure that every vote counts. Bringing about these changes will not be easy, but there are concrete steps we can take to begin the process.

For Mississippi, the first step is clear: restore the ballot initiative. Our legislators have struggled for three consecutive years to agree on a bill restoring our right to amend the state constitution. A legislator’s primary job is to find consensus and pass laws. If they cannot do that, it’s time for them to step aside and let new representatives try. My advice is simple: if your representative does not vote to restore the ballot initiative during the upcoming legislative session, do not vote for their reelection. Period.

Second, call your representative and political candidates. I know few people enjoy doing this, but it’s essential that we send a clear message: we care about fixing the system, and we’re going to start voting accordingly. To find your national and state representatives, enter your address at pluralpolicy.com/find-your-legislator/ or download the 5 Calls app on your phone. Tell them what reforms you support and that you expect them to act. Once candidates understand what voters want, we can begin holding them accountable.

Third, vote – but not like you normally would. If the candidate from your preferred party is not willing to support meaningful reform, vote for the Independent candidate. If there isn’t one, vote for the opposing party – even if you don’t like them. We must send a message that if representatives refuse to respond to the demands of the people, we will no longer support them, even if it means voting for the “other side.”

Fourth, stay informed. You don’t need to track every political development, but try to stay aware of the issues that matter most to you. If changing the political system is one of them, pay attention to what the legislature is doing. I know that’s not always easy, so ask this paper to provide legislative updates or to report on specific bills or issues that you believe are important. Or try a website like billtrack50.com.

We must remember that it took a long time to reach this point, and it won’t be undone quickly. We may have to endure a few disappointing election cycles before meaningful progress is made. But keep in mind the numbers I’ve shared throughout this series – there’s much that unites us than divides us. The other side is not the enemy; they are frustrated with the system too. We’re all trying to make the best of a bad situation. Let’s focus on what we agree on and work together to make real change happen.

Dr. Raymond E. Barranco is professor of sociology at Mississippi State University. He earned his Ph.D. in Sociology from Louisiana State University, and his work has been published in multiple criminology and sociology journals. Dr. Barranco invites readers to send feedback and sociology-related questions you’d like him to address in this space to [email protected].

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