Letter: Don’t vote uninformed — vote smart

Democracy works best when individuals make the effort to uncover where candidates are actually coming from, rather than just listening to their emotional appeals for our votes. That is why I ask every voter to please consider using VoteSmart.org. It was started by politicians as different as Barry Goldwater and Jimmy Carter.

If you want to know how candidates have voted, what they have said, who gives them money, their education and background, issue positions, even the ratings they have received from every special interest that exists, you will find it as easy as simply typing in the local, state, or federal election candidate you’re interested in or selecting the subject you are curious about.

Do not vote uninformed. Go smart, use VoteSmart.org, or call 888-VoteSmart and talk to one of the staff, who will give you the facts on any candidate of interest and on any issue of concern.

This story was originally published August 16, 2016 at 4:18 AM with the headline "Letter: Don’t vote uninformed — vote smart."