How to research political candidates: A voter’s guide
29 Aug 2024
With the upcoming general election just around the corner, voters are gearing up to make informed decisions about the candidates and issues shaping the future. Whether you’re voting in a local, state, or national election, this guide is designed to help you find unbiased, reliable information on the candidates and issues on your ballot. From researching what’s on the ballot to digging into the positions of political parties, this guide has everything you need to be an informed voter.
Research what’s on the ballot
Before you head to the polls, knowing exactly what’s on your ballot is crucial. This preparation allows you to research candidates and issues thoroughly, ensuring you’re ready to cast an informed vote. Here’s how to get started.
Voter guides like Ballotpedia and VOTE411 are excellent resources for determining who will be on your ballot. These guides can also help you check your voter registration, find your polling place, and access other essential voting information. Consider accessing a sample ballot once you’ve identified the candidates and issues. This tool mirrors the exact format of your official ballot, allowing you to practice and make your selections in advance.
As you research candidates and issues, fill in your sample ballot with your choices. You can bring this completed sample ballot into the voting booth to ensure you’re casting your vote exactly as intended.
Understand your state’s ballot measures
Ballot measures are a vital part of the voting process, giving citizens the power to influence state and local laws directly. These measures can take different forms, each with its own impact on your community. Understanding the ballot measures in your state is key to making informed decisions.
There are generally three types of ballot measures: initiatives, referendums and recalls.
Initiatives
Initiatives allow citizens to propose new laws or amendments to the state constitution, often driven by grassroots efforts. These initiatives typically begin as petitions that require a certain number of signatures from voters to qualify for the ballot. If you’re passionate about an issue, you might find related petitions on platforms like Change.org. These petitions can be an early step in the process, gathering support and raising awareness before officially launching a ballot initiative. Here are a few examples:
This petition is against the “Value Them Both” constitutional amendment passed by the Kansas House on January 23rd, 2021, which restricts abortion access for Kansas citizens. The amendment allows the state to regulate abortion, including in cases of rape, incest, or when the mother’s life is at risk. It does not secure a right to abortion and does not require government funding for it. This could lead to restrictions on abortions and general women’s health care.
The petition argues that the amendment will disproportionately affect women of color, who are already disproportionately affected by rape, assault, and lack of prenatal care. It also argues that the right to abortion has improved women’s lives, increasing their involvement in the workforce and reducing teen fertility.
Harsher punishment for animal cruelty
The petition proposes an amendment to the current animal cruelty laws, specifically F.S. 828.12 (2)(a)(b), in the State Legislature. The aim is to impose stricter and harsher punishments for the abuse, torture, and killing of animals. The proposed amendment would give judges more freedom to sentence animal abusers to jail. It would also allow them to prohibit these individuals from having any contact with animals or owning them, at the court’s discretion.
The petition is against the Idaho State Senate’s approval of Senate Joint Resolution 101, a proposed amendment that would permanently ban drugs currently listed in Schedule I or II of Idaho statute, including medical marijuana. It argues that the proposed amendment restricts the ability of Idahoans to use the ballot initiative process to make decisions on medical marijuana and other drug policies, sets a troubling precedent for future efforts to restrict the ballot initiative process, and establishes constitutional restrictions tied to current state statutes.
Referendums
Referendums, on the other hand, allow voters to approve or repeal laws that the legislature has already passed. In some states, referendums are mandatory for certain types of legislation, while in others, they can be brought to the ballot through a petition process. Understanding the nuances of these measures is critical, as they can have long-lasting effects on your state’s legal landscape.
Recalls
A recall is a process that allows citizens to remove elected officials from office before their terms end. This procedure is typically used when there are accusations of wrongdoing or incompetence. Unlike other legislative measures, recalls empower voters to directly hold officials accountable, ensuring they fulfill their duties.
Research the political party
Understanding where each political party stands on major election issues can provide important context for your voting decisions. Each party has a platform that outlines its stance on a range of issues, from healthcare and education to the economy and foreign policy.
Begin by researching the major political parties—Democratic, Republican, and any significant third parties in your area. Look at their official websites, where they typically publish their platforms and key policy positions. Additionally, voter guides and nonpartisan resources can provide overviews of each party’s standing on the issues, helping you compare and contrast their positions.
Research candidates
Once you’ve grasped what’s on the ballot and the general positions of the political parties, it’s time to dive into researching individual candidates. This step is crucial, as it allows you to evaluate each candidate’s policies, track record, and vision for the future. Be sure to seek out nonpartisan voting resources to find objective information on candidates. Also look at each candidate’s website and social media channels.
National candidates
You can find tips for researching national candidates, including the President, Vice President, U.S. Senators, and U.S. Representatives, from a variety of sources:
- Official Campaign Websites: Start with the candidates’ official campaign websites. These sites typically outline their platforms, policy positions, and biographical information.
- League of Women Voters: The League of Women Voters provides nonpartisan information on candidates and their positions, available on their website Vote411.org.
- Ballotpedia: This online encyclopedia offers detailed profiles of candidates, including their voting records, policy positions, and endorsements.
- Project Vote Smart: This organization provides a wealth of information on candidates, including voting records, public statements, and interest group ratings.
State candidates
State-level candidates, including those running for governor, state legislature, or other statewide offices, play a significant role in shaping state policies. Similar to national candidates, begin your research using nonpartisan voter guides and candidate websites. Pay attention to their positions on state-specific issues that matter most to you.
Local candidates
Local elections often have the most direct impact on your day-to-day life. Positions like mayor, city council, or school board members influence local policies and decisions. Research these candidates by attending local forums, reviewing their campaign literature, and checking out their social media presence. Local newspapers and community organizations often provide valuable insights into local races as well.
Your vote, your impact: Make it count
Following this guide will prepare you to make informed decisions in the upcoming election. Remember, your vote is your voice—make sure it’s an informed one. Beyond researching candidates and issues, consider exploring Change.org to see what’s important to activists and community members like you. Research petitions related to election issues and candidates to understand how these topics are impacting local communities, states, and the country. Your informed vote can help drive the change you want to see.