Where/How to get involved in local politics?

I'm completely adequate of researching this myself, but this sub (for the most part) has a pretty helpful community. I'd like to get more involved in politics. I have conversations with co-workers, friends and family, but other than that my activism is mainly through reddit or other social media. I'd like to try and actually make a difference instead of yelling into an echo chamber and then putting my head on a pillow with the hopes that my posts/comments/etc made a difference.

Specifically from now to the upcoming November election: Where and how can I participate in our local politics? Volunteering seems like the obvious choice, but IMO most people ignore or try and stay away from anyone standing outside with a clipboard preaching something and trying to get signatures. Even if they are of the same party, that approach is dated and doesn't seem to be as affective as it once was.

Thoughts? (also congrats MO on ctrl+alt+deleting 4 & 5!)