1. The League of Women Voters, www.lwv.org, is a nonpartisan organization, which provides nonpartisan voter education materials and information resources. Consider trying the above link as well as various state or local league websites for additional 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. FOCUS on ISSUES: Look at proposals for addressing issues. Stands on current problems and how to resolve them. Differentiate words, rhetoric and personality from actual plans and actions for addressing and resolving issues and problems. Realistic plans for the future. Past voting record. Understanding the history and the present situation, then moving 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. Observe the candidate’s body language, subtle gestures and speech intonation to get added information about the candidate’s response and feelings. Observe the candidate’s facial and body response to the opponent’s answers. Do not just rely on news commentators interpretations and opinions. Viewing the debate 2 or more times will provide added insight.

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 US Senate site, The League of Women Voters, public service stations, C-Span, census data, voting records, 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.

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