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5 Ways To Research Political Candidates

Successful democracies are dependent on informed voters. How to be an informed voter is, however, rarely discussed. Here's some tips from someone who's probably a bit too obsessed with politics.

Jul 01, 2019

https://pixabay.com/photos/vote-election-sign-1313063/

The 2020 election is already underway: candidates are holding rallies, money is being raised, and everyone is picking their favorites for the primary next Spring. Elections are about a lot more than just the president though, with many congressional seats also up for election, and states will often have bills and amendments up for a vote at the same time. A further note is that elections happen every year: many local positions - such as mayor and county judge - happen during years where no federal or state elections are happening (remember, there is never an "off-year"). Essentially, the work of our democracy is never ending.

How do you stay informed with such a large number of candidates in a never ending election cycle. Here are a few resources that make the ordeal a bit easier.

Local board of elections/ Secretary of State

Every county have a Board of Elections, and every state has a Secretary of State. The websites of both of these are incredibly valuable resources for voters. Here you can find when elections are happening, where you can vote, and you can also register to vote if you aren't already (and if you aren't, do it). Furthermore, candidate fundraising is a public record, and many times you can find this info at your Board of Elections website.

Board of Elections example

Sec. of State example

Ballotpedia

Ballotpedia is a non-profit, nonpartisan organization focused on providing free information on politics. The website itself is filled with valuable info, but you can also research specific candidates. Ballotpedia provides a brief biography and a summary of their political career as well as committee assignments and important moments in their career.

Vote Smart

Candidate websites

Watch them speak

Misinformation was a huge problem in the 2016 election, and it's pretty easy to guess it will be a problem again in 2020. As voters, we have to be extremely vigilant in fighting this to stay informed and make the right political decisions. I hope these few tips help, and remember: GO VOTE.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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5 Ways To Research Political Candidates

Successful democracies are dependent on informed voters. How to be an informed voter is, however, rarely discussed. Here's some tips from someone who's probably a bit too obsessed with politics.

In This Article:

Local board of elections/ Secretary of State

Vote Smart

Candidate websites

Watch them speak

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No one best represents the struggle like our favorite 90s squad.

1. When course schedules are released and you have a conflict between two required classes.

2. When there is only one section of a popular course.

3. Receiving the 18,000 emails reminding you to register ASAP.

4. When you need to see an advisor, but they are too busy/unresponsive.

5. Trying not to dress like a bum for your appointments with your advisors/department heads.

6. When you have a perfectly planned out schedule, and one class ruins it.

7. Carefully moving things around to accommodate a different class/section.

8. Waking up at 6:00 a.m. for your enrollment time.

9. Concocting a new schedule at your enrollment time after your original plan gets changed.

10. Getting into a class and filling the last available seat.

11. When all of your classes finally go through.

12. Realizing that you forgot a class that was a pre-requisite for everything else.

When your capability of "adulting" is put to the test

Nobody deserves to be living in poverty.

"Nobody living in one of the most influential nations in the world should be worried about making ends meet."

What is the current minimum wage at the federal level?

What are the benefits of raising the minimum wage?

What are the states that have set a $15/hour minimum wage?

Told through Parks & Recreation GIFs

Because who understands your bitterness better than April?

1. When you have to provide an "interesting fact" for your first day ice-breaker.

2. When your professor is babbling on and on in his lecture.

3. When you edit your friend's paper and they get an A.

4. When it's 2 AM and you remember you have a test tomorrow.

5. When you finish taking the test and you're pretty sure you failed...

6. ...but then you get the test back and somehow passed.

7. When you've been up for 12 hours straight writing a paper.

8. And then you manage to stay awake in class the next day.

9. When you have to butter up your professor for an extra credit opportunity.

10. When you're assigned a group project.

11. And your group-mates are trying to chat about life instead of the assignment.

12. When it's your last class of the day and you're about to go home.

13. But then you remember rent is due tonight and the anger comes back.

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