How to Pick a Candidate to Vote For

Politics can be confusing and misleading. Look into the candidates and their stance on the issues before you vote. Being an informed voter will help you feel good about your choice and it will help your vote carry more weight. With so few people voting, and with so many voting for one party or another without getting information on the issues, researching will help you be a better American.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Start early and research the big hot button issues that you feel strongly about. You may have no opinion on gay marriage, but are passionate about stem cell research. Look up information on these issues and make up your mind as to how you really feel on the issues before going any further. Read all that you can get your hands on before you pick a candidate to vote for.
2. Watch television ads and look on the web for any ads that are strictly geared toward web browsers. Make notes mentally or on paper about what you actually glean from the ads. Check the ads for real factual information and not just a lot of mumbo jumbo about how great the candidate is. Also watch for emotional appeals that are geared toward the heartstrings and not the brain.
3. Look for mud-slinging. In every ad supported by the candidate, take note of whether or not they are playing nasty. In order to pick a candidate to vote for, you need to get a gauge on what kind of campaign they are waging. Politicians are notoriously gifted in double-speak and games, but be sure you know the candidates before you cast a vote. Keep yours eyes peeled for loaded statements, baiting, rumor-mongering, and passing the blame.
4. Study the way they deal with the big issues. In debates, interviews, and pamphlets watch for the real issues, and how they are dealt with by each candidate. Listen to the words used, and watch for evasion. If you are concerned about bringing troops home from the war, pay attention to how and when the candidates discuss removing the troops before you pick a candidate to vote for.
5. Get close to the campaign. If you decide to go with one candidate early enough, join their campaign. This can give you a closer look at the strategies and format of the issues and your candidate's platform. It is never too late to change your mind if you come across information that you don't like or agree with your candidate about. Getting more information up to the final vote is always a good thing.