A Citizen's Guide to Participation in the
Wisconsin State Legislature

Prepared by the Wisconsin Legislative Council Staff, 2023

[Print This Page]

Citizens participate in all levels and branches of government.  Three key ways in which citizens participate in the Legislative Branch are by:

• • Being informed about the affairs of government;
  • Communicating with their elected representatives; and
  • Testifying at public hearings held by legislative committees.

This guide is a general description of typical procedures in the Wisconsin Legislature and designed to help you, the citizen, participate in the Wisconsin State Legislature. It is in the following parts:

• • Introduction to the Legislature
  • How to Find Legislative Documents and Follow the Legislative Process
  • How to Contact Your Legislator
  • How to Testify at a Public Hearing
  • Glossary of Common Legislative Terms