Elections provide us with an opportunity to get educated and form our opinions which are then expressed through one’s vote. We may support specific local candidates due to their stance on important issues facing the community or this country at large. Elections are a time in which voters have many decisions to make as they appeal to popular topics and issues.
These decisions can be challenging, but it is important that you find out what you need to know there are resources everywhere! When casting your vote, don’t forget that the ballot does not represent every issue and candidate (they run for office; elected officials serve) so research the ones you want to be voted into office by checking several sources and media before making a decision!
It can seem overwhelming at first to figure out who or what to support. However, with the right approach, we have determined that figuring this out will not take long, and certainly does not need to cause you to stress about coming up with the “right” decision.
This is why our experts advise that it's more important to actually turn up and vote than it is for you to make the best possible decision when it comes down to deciding which candidate or party best represents your views.
Here are some tips to help you decide who to vote for:
Set a Standard
Candidates can be judged in two ways: positions they take on the issues and leadership qualities and experience they offer that will help them better lead the people. Both are important. Your first step in picking a candidate is to decide which issues you care about as well as what leadership qualities are necessary for whoever will take a seat of office, if indeed you do want to see anyone in an office at all, that is.
You need to consider what kind of leader and advocate you want for your community or for your nation. If you want someone who is vocal against the dangers of nuclear warfare, be sure not to vote for someone too tight-lipped but rather pick someone willing and ready to speak out against these threats loudly and proudly lest they become more prevalent than they already are.
Get passionate about local problems and make careful choices that will have positive impacts on society.
Know the Candidates
Deciding whether or not a candidate will make a good leader for your country is pretty hard. How can you tell if someone will be honest, open, and able to act under pressure when it comes time to represent their constituency?
Look at the candidates’ background and experience. Do they have any insight into how they might handle the stresses of being a politician like debating or speaking in front of crowds who may not always agree with as well as any number of other tasks that are part of the day-to-day docket? See how they do during campaigns – Do they participate in debates before diverse groups where they might face opposition?
Read through their campaign materials closely. Are there any insights into their personalities? What sort of issues do they focus on in reference to their campaign platform(s)? Are the facts presented accurate or has there been a bit too much spin here and there?
Watch Debates and Interviews
You should watch a televised debate because your interest has been piqued by the endlessly growing amount of information being generated by political parties and candidates, not to mention lobbyists and special interest groups.
As you observe and listen to elections coverage, be aware of how images can affect the way that you perceive candidates. Similarly, be aware of how emotional appeals or catchy slogans can distract from a candidate's ability to convey substance in a positive manner. Who looked more relaxed, more sincere, more confident?
In judging substance, decide if the candidates address the issues or provide constructive commentary by explaining where they stand on key concerns and similar questions. When comparing these two candidates, for example, one talks about getting across his message more than actually answering questions. Another is comfortable enough to express his views on several topics he feels are important regardless of how people might perceive him overall.
Key Takeaway
There are still some races that you’re unsure about; aren’t there? You can still count on the general political platform of a presidential candidate to make your choice instead of being unsure. Doing so doesn’t make you any worse of a voter.
Lastly, when casting a ballot, don’t feel bad if you don’t know every little thing about every single one of your candidates before making your final decision. Voting isn't the only way to participate in democracy, but it is how you decide who is going to end up playing with you in office for the next four years.
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