How to Better Decide Who to Vote For
submitted: Sep 14th 2008 |
by: BeverlyGartland
Total views: 7 |
Word Count: 438 |
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1. Use non partisan resources like The League of Women Voters, www.lwv.org, they provide independent non baiased voter education materials and resources. Consider trying the above link as well as various state or county league sites for more information. Primary information is posted, which you can also use as a reference for present candidate statements and positions.
2. Consider visiting the United States Senate site, which will give information on voting record as well as other resources regarding the senators. http://www.senate.gov/pagelayout/legislative/a_three_sections_with_teasers/votes.htm
3. Look at the ISSUES: Look at proposals for addressing issues. positions on current problems and how to resolve them. Differentiate [words rhetoric and personality] from actual plans and solutions for resolving issues and problems. Look for realistic plans for the future. Are the plans consistent with past voting record. Does the Candidate understanding the history of the present situation will they then move forward with a specific strategic plan.
4. Watch the Debates: Consider recording the debates so you can replay them and compare responses made during the different debates. Viewing a debate 2 or more times usually provides added insight. Observe the candidate's body language, subtle gestures and speech intonation to get added information about the candidate's response and feelings. Additionally observe a candidate's facial and body response to the opponent's answers. Do not just rely on news commentators interpretations and opinions.
5. Consider Foriegn news sources. Frequently US newspapers, radio stations or news commentators favors a particular party and/or candidate. This will allow you to get an international view of the candidates.
6. Include more objective information from sources such as The BBC, League of Women Voters, C-Span, census data, public service stations, voting records, the US Senate site, and first hand information.
7. Which statistics are correct? Sometimes each candidate offers different statistics on the same issue, sometimes both candidates are correct, however in other cases this may not be true. Some questions for interpreting the candidates statistics: How can the candidates give different statistics on the same issue? When was the data collected, what years or intervals were used? Who collected the data (was it a group or corporation with a vested interest)? Was the Sample large of enough for accurate results?
8. Very Important: Be aware of your own biases. If you already have a favorite, it will probably affect how you evaluate the information about your candidate as well as the other candidate(s). Try to keep an open mind, consider all information and use objectivity.
About the Author
Bevery Gartland is the President Elect of the American Society of Applied Sociology she wrote this to her son on how to decide which candidate to vote for. Decision 2008 information Don't reprint this exact article. Instead, reprint a free unique content version of this same article.
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