Not everyone can attend a public meeting in person. Work schedules, caregiving, disability and distance all get in the way. Fortunately, many public bodies now make it possible to watch meetings online and to submit comments without being in the room. Federal agencies also accept public comments on proposed regulations through online systems.
This guide explains how remote participation generally works. Details differ from one jurisdiction to another, so always check the specific rules of the body you want to follow.
Open meetings laws
All U.S. states have open meetings laws, sometimes called sunshine laws, that require many government bodies to conduct their business in public and to give advance notice of meetings. At the federal level, the Government in the Sunshine Act applies to many multi-member agencies. These laws are the reason agendas are posted in advance and meetings are open to the public.
Whether a body must offer remote viewing or remote comment depends on state law and local policy. Some bodies stream every meeting and accept comments online; others offer only in-person participation.
Finding meetings to watch
- Local governments usually post meeting calendars, agendas and video links on their websites. Some use dedicated agenda-management portals.
- School boards often stream meetings and post recordings afterwards.
- State legislatures generally broadcast floor sessions and many committee hearings online.
- Congress streams floor proceedings, and many committee hearings are available on committee websites.
Recordings are useful if you cannot watch live. Many bodies also publish minutes, although these may appear weeks later.
Submitting comments remotely
When remote comment is allowed, it usually takes one of these forms:
- Written comments sent by email or an online form before a deadline, which may be read aloud, summarised or added to the record.
- Live remote comment through a video or phone link, typically requiring advance sign-up.
- Recorded messages in some jurisdictions, through a dedicated phone line.
Check the deadline and format carefully. Comments that arrive late or do not identify the agenda item may not be considered.
Writing an effective comment
- Name the specific agenda item or proposal.
- State your position clearly in the first sentence.
- Explain how the issue affects you or your community, using concrete details.
- Offer a constructive suggestion where possible.
- Keep it brief and respectful.
Commenting on federal regulations
Federal agencies generally follow a notice-and-comment process when they create or change regulations. Proposed rules are published in the Federal Register, the official daily publication of the U.S. government for rules, proposed rules and notices. Each proposal states how long the comment period lasts and how to submit comments.
Most agencies accept comments through Regulations.gov, where you can search for a proposal by topic, agency or docket number, read supporting documents and submit a comment online. Comments are usually posted publicly, so do not include personal information you do not want shared.
Agencies are expected to consider the substance of relevant comments, not simply count them. A detailed comment that explains practical effects or points out a specific problem in the proposal is generally more useful than a short statement of support or opposition.
Accessibility and fairness
Remote participation can make government more accessible to people who would otherwise be excluded. If you need accommodations, such as captioning or an interpreter, contact the clerk or agency in advance; public bodies often have procedures for accessibility requests.
Staying informed
- Sign up for agenda notifications from your city, county or school board if they offer them.
- Follow federal dockets on topics you care about through Regulations.gov.
- Watch recordings of meetings you missed before commenting on follow-up items.
Bottom line
You do not have to be in the room to take part in public decision-making. By watching meetings online, submitting well-written comments and using the federal comment system, you can make your voice heard from home. Check each body's rules, meet the deadlines and keep your comments specific.