Informed voting is essential for a healthy democracy. Knowing the values, priorities, and track record of each candidate helps ensure your vote reflects your true beliefs. But with so much information — and misinformation — floating around, how do you separate fact from fiction? One of the most effective ways to begin your research is by visiting trusted sources such as dewforpolitics.com, where candidates provide clear, direct insights into their background, goals, and motivations for public service.

Whether you’re voting in a local school board race or a national election, understanding each candidate’s platform can help you vote with confidence. Below, we’ll explore the best strategies and resources for evaluating political candidates before casting your ballot.

1. Check Official Campaign Websites

Most serious political candidates have an official campaign website. These websites are often the most accurate source of information about a candidate’s background, qualifications, and policy positions. They typically include:

• A detailed biography
• Key policy priorities
• Upcoming campaign events
• Volunteer and donation opportunities
• Contact information and press releases

Start by reviewing the candidate’s biography. This will give you a sense of their professional experience, education, and community involvement. Sites like dewforpolitics.com provide transparent and direct information about a candidate’s vision and values — all in one place.

2. Use Nonpartisan Voter Guides

Nonpartisan voter guides are essential tools for fact-based decision-making. These resources present unbiased comparisons between candidates running for office and their positions on various issues. Some popular nonpartisan platforms include:

• BallotPedia – Offers in-depth profiles of candidates and ballot measures
• VoteSmart – Features information on public statements, voting records, and endorsements
• League of Women Voters (vote411.org) – Custom ballot tools and side-by-side candidate comparisons
• CanIVote.org – Helps you understand voting laws and find local candidate info

These guides help voters focus on policy, not party — ideal for cutting through political noise.

3. Watch Debates and Town Halls

Watching candidate debates and town halls gives you real-time insight into how candidates think and respond under pressure. These forums reveal:

• How well candidates communicate their ideas
• Whether they answer questions directly
• Their temperament, leadership style, and ability to handle criticism
• How they compare to other candidates on key issues

Most debates are available on YouTube or local government websites. If you can attend one live, even better — you’ll experience firsthand how candidates engage with the public.

4. Explore Media Coverage and Interviews

News organizations play a major role in shaping public understanding of elections, but you must be a smart consumer of media. Look for articles that are:

• Fact-checked
• Written by reputable journalists
• Free of sensationalism or biased language

It’s also helpful to read candidate interviews and opinion pieces — but remember, editorials are not always neutral. Cross-reference what you read with statements from the candidates themselves to avoid falling into misinformation traps.

5. Review Social Media Profiles

Social media is now a crucial part of campaigning. Candidates use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok to:

• Share their personal story
• Announce events
• Engage with voters
• React to breaking news
• Clarify policy positions

When reviewing a candidate’s social media, ask yourself:

• Are they consistent with what they say on their website?
• Do they address real issues?
• Do they interact respectfully with followers?
• Are they transparent about donations, endorsements, or campaign spending?

Social media can reveal how candidates communicate informally and provide insight into their priorities beyond press releases.

6. Look Into Voting History and Public Records

If a candidate has held office before, you should absolutely look into their voting record and legislative actions. These are a more accurate reflection of values than campaign promises.

You can find public voting records through:

• GovTrack.us (Congressional voting records)
• OpenStates.org (State legislature records)
• Local government websites (for city council and county-level offices)

Additionally, check if the candidate has:

• Sponsored or supported significant bills
• Worked on bipartisan initiatives
• Missed key votes or been inactive during their term

If they are a newcomer, look for records of community leadership, activism, or service that demonstrate readiness for office.

7. Examine Endorsements and Ratings

Endorsements from organizations, political figures, unions, or advocacy groups can indicate where a candidate stands ideologically. While endorsements shouldn’t be your only decision-making factor, they can provide important clues.

Examples of valuable endorsements include:

• Local leaders and community activists
• Issue-based groups (education, environment, healthcare)
• Editorial boards from respected media outlets

Also, look at any scorecards or ratings given by watchdog groups. These can help you evaluate how a candidate aligns with issues that matter to you.

8. Talk to People You Trust

Sometimes the best insights come from personal conversations. Ask friends, neighbors, coworkers, or family members if they know anything about the candidates — especially if they’ve had direct contact.

You can also check in with:

• Local civic organizations
• Religious or spiritual communities
• Community forums and town meetings

People often notice how candidates behave in small, informal settings. Their experiences can reveal sides of a candidate not always shown in public media.

9. Be Wary of Political Ads and Mailers

Campaign ads — whether on TV, social media, or in your mailbox — are meant to persuade. While they might contain useful information, they’re often emotionally charged or misleading.

Here’s how to stay smart:

• Check the source — Who paid for the ad?
• Fact-check claims — Use sites like FactCheck.org, Snopes, or PolitiFact
• Don’t be swayed by fear-based messaging
• Watch for selective editing or taking quotes out of context

Ads are part of campaigning, but they should not be your only source of information.

10. Research Campaign Finances

Following the money can tell you a lot about a candidate’s priorities. Find out:

• Who is funding their campaign?
• Are they accepting corporate, PAC, or grassroots donations?
• Do any donors or endorsements create potential conflicts of interest?

Use tools like:

• OpenSecrets.org
• FEC.gov (for federal candidates)
• Local campaign finance portals

Candidates who are transparent about funding sources tend to value accountability — a key quality in public office.

Final Thoughts

Being an informed voter takes time, but it’s worth the effort. Learning more about the people seeking your vote allows you to choose leaders who truly represent your values and interests. From campaign websites and debate footage to news articles and financial records, there are countless resources available — you just need to know where to look.

Resources like dewforpolitics.com offer a valuable starting point by providing in-depth information directly from the candidate. Use it to learn who they are, what they stand for, and why they’re running. Then go beyond — ask questions, compare sources, and make your voice heard by casting a truly informed vote.