Get Informed

Process and Policy

Okay. So now you're registered to vote and ready to head to the polls (or maybe the mailbox). But who and what to vote for? In a Presidential Election year and especially in a year as unusual as 2016, everyone's talking about the elections, but it can be hard to know what information you can rely on. And what about those state ballot measures and local elections? They don't get much press time, but might end up affecting your every day life more immediately than the federal election will. How to sort it all out? Thankfully, 21st century technology offers a number of quick, easy, engaging, and non-partisan tools to help you become the most informed voter in your network!

Understand the Election Process

So what was with those caucuses anyway? How does the Electoral College work? Where do all those Props on your state ballot come from and how are you supposed to sort them out? Our friends over at SeePolitical have created a series of short animations to give you a fun, quick brush up on that Civics class you slept through back in high school. Their stuff is available on YouTube or you can find collected in one place right here.

Know your Ballot

California voters can "get the facts before you vote" by taking advantage of Voter's Edge. Offered through a partnership of the League of Women Voters and MapLight, Voter's Edge offers information specific to your local ballot. You can get detailed information about candidates and propositions on the June Primary ballot, including easy-to-read summaries, endorsements, and links to news coverage. Just type your zip code and street address into the box below to get started. Voter's Edge is also available to voters in New York and Illinois.

Websites and Mobile Apps to Explore Issues & Candidates

Want to be sure that the candidate you vote for aligns with your values and priorities? Here are some ideas to get you started: ProCon.org offers a snapshot of which issues candidates stand for (or against) so you can make sure you vote for someone who stands with you. If mobile apps are more your style, Voter has been called "Tinder for voting." You get a series of questions about the issues. Swipe right to agree, left to disagree and Voter will tell you who your candidate "match" is, while giving you opportunities to dig deeper. Download it at the app store. You can explore other resources here (we will keep updating these as we come across them!).