How to Cast an Informed Vote

Dazed and Confused as to who to vote for? With a little research you can be an informed voter instead of someone who votes with the wind.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Library or Computer
• Voter Registration Card
• Transportation

1. First, make sure you are a registered voter. If not, find how to register and do it! Registration protocol differs from state to state but making a quick phone call to your town hall will give you the particulars.
2. Find out the date of the election. Check the polling places hours. Mark them on your calendar. If you will be out of town on election day find out the deadlines for applying for and returning an absentee ballot.
3. Make a list of things that are important to you and where you stand on the issues by listing them by priority across a piece of paper lengthwise.
4. List the candidates by name down the left side of the paper.
5. Research the candidates. Do this by going to government watchdog websites or to the library to find out how the candidate has voted in the past. Keeping in mind that people can change their opinions over time so allow a little flexibility but remember a pattern of support along one line will be a good indication of a person's future support of various issues.
6. Warning: Listening to talk radio and pundits on television can give you a biased and sometimes inaccurate view of a person's stand on the issues. Watch the presidential debates and attend personal appearances of the candidates where possible.
7. Using your list place a check mark where the candidate's priorities line up with yours. Soon, you will be able to determine which candidate has the same values and stands on the issues that you have. That candidate should be the one you vote for.
8. Make sure you get to the polls on election day before they close and cast your ballot! Pat yourself on the back for a job well done.