The sounds of democracy are rumbling in Oshkosh.
A protest group braves the elements to demand a public town hall from Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson (R) and Tammy Baldwin (D).
Lisa Hansen, who helped organize the group, says she wants to have a dialogue with her elected officials, especially as a new administration introduces new policies.
"How can a member of Congress represent their constituents if they don't ever talk to them?," she asks.
Senator Johnson defended himself against accusations of dodging his constituents, saying his telephone and Facebook town halls reach more Wisconsinites where they are, allowing him to stay focused on his duties in the Senate.
"We've done three-and-a-half million phone calls to Wisconinites. In our live telephone town halls we've had 650,000 people participate in those," Johnson said earlier this year.
But many remain unsatisfied with the senator. "He won't come to a town hall, he'll hold Facebook town halls. That's not coming to a town hall and speaking to your constituents", said Viki Gallert, a member of the weekly protest group.
While the group meets outside Senator Ron Johnson's office, many say they want both sides of the political aisle to step up.
Senator Tammy Baldwin says she has held listening sessions across the state on issues like dairy farming, pensions and health care.
"It's a chance to just hear general input from members in the community, it is something that I value very much", she said in an interview with NBC26 earlier this month.
But still some say, it's not enough.
Some experts are growing concerned as both Senators remain difficult to reach. Some say our democracy could be threatened, amid fears of declining voter influence.
University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley Political Science Professor George Waller says many voters are beginning to feel disenfranchised from the political process.
He says voters feel their "members of Congress are much more beholden to their parties and party loyalty and to party leadership than they are necessarily to the concerns and the issues that affect constituents back home in their district", Waller explained.
But, there are more avenues than town halls to reach your elected leaders. E-mail, paper mail, and calling your elected officials can still give you your voice.
"Citizens just have to seize back their democracy, organize, get involved, participate, and show up," Waller said.
And with Congress considering substantial changes to health care, taxes and more, it's likely more important that ever before that your voice be heard.
For more on how to find your elected officials, visit this website.
For tips on how to best contact your elected officials, you can read these tips here.
