We are two weeks away from election day, and I’ve been getting so many questions from all of you asking where you can find the best voting information.
First, I want to make sure you all know about the voting resource I have on my website.
The information is entirely non-partisan and we will never sell your information. We don’t accept advertising, so you can feel confident sending your friends, students, and family here, knowing that they aren’t going to see ads aimed at skewing their vote. Our website links out directly to each candidate’s pages without editorializing, so you can see firsthand what their platforms are.
Let me walk you through how it works. First, you enter your address:
I typed in an address I made up: 120 Elm St Keene, NH, which gave me information specific to that county in New Hampshire, including what’s on the ballot, and also how to request an absentee ballot.
Now, if I were to enter an address for a state like New Jersey that has early voting (something New Hampshire doesn’t allow), I’d be able to click on the button that shows my early voting locations along with a link to request an absentee ballot.
You’ll also see a list of key voting dates for your state:
And one part I really love is that it also includes information on local elections, which is not always easy to find. Plus, if you want more information on a particular candidate, you can click their name and be taken right to their campaign websites, social media platforms, and be provided with their contact information.
For example:
If you want information on ballot initiatives, we have that too. Here’s one from Minnesota that clearly lays out what a yes and no vote would mean.
Some states even allow you to see a sample ballot if you scroll to the bottom and click the link.
How to Be Smarter
Ok, so now that you have all of the information you need about voting, how do you find information to help you decide who to vote for?
One great resource is Vote Smart which was started by Presidents Ford and Carter more than 30 years ago, along with Republicans, Democrats and independents. They have facts on everything from who funds each candidate, to what experience they had before running for office, to how elected officials have voted while in office.
You can search by the issues, legislation, and even see how your candidates fared in their “Political Courage Test,” which shows where politicians stand on major issues like gun control, education, and immigration.
I hope these resources help. This post is public and free to share. Make a plan to vote, and share this with the people in your life, so they can feel educated and empowered in the voting booth.