Three resources to ensure you are an educated voter

Written by ls2group

As we head into the heart of caucus season, it’s important for Iowans to continue to educate themselves about the candidates running in different elections. While there are numerous advocacy organizations providing information, they may not always provide an accurate representation of a candidate’s viewpoint. Thankfully, there are plenty of unbiased resources that are free to the public to better educate citizens and eligible voters about candidates. Listed below are three free resources to ensure when you enter the polls on election day, you are casting an educated vote.

• Vote Smart

Based at Drake University, Vote Smart provides everything from a candidate’s voting record to speeches and positions on various issues. Vote Smart provides just the facts for voters to make their own opinions. The organization also offers the “Voter’s Self-Defense Manual,” which includes the politician’s votes on key issues as well as campaign contribution information. It is free to download on their website.

• League of Women Voters

League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization. From providing nonpartisan information to the public for the election process to registering citizens to vote and informing them of their polling location, the League of Women Voters has been a valuable resource since their founding in 1920. Iowa State University alumnae Carrie Chapman Catt founded the organization and is the namesake for the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics.

• Local Iowa Newspapers

Local Iowa news provides the most intimate and informative reporting in the lead up to the caucuses. The Iowa Newspaper Association provides a database of every newspaper in the state. Newspapers from Iowa’s major cities provide great coverage, but there is also in-depth reporting in places like Carroll and Storm Lake that provide another layer of truth. Newspaper reporting supplies the nonpartisan and thorough reporting that is not found in 280 characters on Twitter. The Des Moines Register also maintains a candidate tracker that can be used to find appearances by all presidential candidates throughout Iowa. A great way to decide who to vote for is to meet them in person and listen to the issues they advocate for.

Iowa has a tremendous opportunity as the first in the nation to caucus. Our choices this February will dictate the course of the presidential election and our country’s history. It is our duty as Iowans to educate ourselves with nonpartisan information and make an informed vote on February 3rd.

Since LS2group is a nonpartisan public relations and public affairs firm, our employees find importance in being educated and involved in the civic process. Doing so allows us to provide the best resources and information for our clients with interests at stake. If you or your organization would like more information about engaging with candidates leading up the Iowa caucus, please reach out. Learn more about our public affairs work here: https://www.ls2group.com/what-we-do/public-affairs/