Educate Yourself Before Voting

By Rob, a Meat 'n' Potatoes Voter

"The biggest argument against democracy is a five minute discussion with the average voter." -Winston Churchill

Inform yourself. These sites provide information on candidates, ballot proposals, the issues, and voting procedures. Share this with friends, family, and colleagues.

Research the Candidates and Ballot Proposals

Project Vote Smart
http://www.vote-smart.org/
Enter your ZIP Code to research your candidates, including:

• Issue Positions from the Political Courage Test (some candidates are too weak to make their stances known)
• Campaign Finances (find out who's giving them money)
• Interest Group Ratings (certain interest groups rate the candidates)
• Voting Records
• Public Statements
• Biographical Information

Michigan Voter Guide (from League of Women Voters of Michigan)
http://tinyurl.com/6s9oqo
Explanation of ballot proposals and questionnaires submitted to the candidates

Watch the Presidential and Vice Presidential Debates

Presidential Debate 1


Presidential Debate 2


Presidential Debate 3


Vice Presidential Debate



Vote411 (from the League of Women Voters)
http://www.vote411.org/
Information on election procedures.

Research the Issues

citizenJoe
http://www.citizenjoe.org/
This site explains the issues in simple terms. Just click on a category on the right-hand side. I haven't checked it out too much, but it claims to be "the friendly, smart antidote to partisanship and spin. A multi-partisan organization - with conservatives, liberals and everything in between - cJ promotes open, fact-based dialogue both online and off."

"It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried...." -Winston Churchill

Let's make it a little better. Share this with friends, family, and colleagues, and remember to vote.