Don’t just vote for a name …
One thing that really drives me crazy is when people vote for candidates simply because they recognize the name. Being a well-known community member doesn’t automatically ensure a person is capable, competent, and/or ready to serve as an elected official.
So how does one go about deciding who to vote for? Here are some questions to consider before casting your ballot.
For candidates who are new to the political world …
- Who are they and what experience do they bring to the table?
- Why are they running for office?
- What is their platform? Review campaign materials, speeches, and debates and pay attention to proposed policies and plans.
For candidates seeking reelection …
- What have they accomplished in their previous term(s)?
- Are they honest, transparent, ethical, and accountable?
- Have they been active in their role, or have they been phoning it in? You can learn a lot by watching recorded meetings and observing who is engaged in productive conversation, who comes prepared for meetings, and who (if anyone) is chronically absent.
For all candidates …
- Be sure you consider how they conduct their campaigns. Consider messaging, use of social media, and interactions with various stakeholders. Are they respectful and constructive, or do they resort to negative tactics?
- Who’s backing them and where is the money coming from?
Of course, this is not a comprehensive list of things to consider, but it’s a starting point. Your vote matters and has power, so you should be sure that who and/or what you are supporting aligns with your morals, values, and vision for your community.
