Before you cast your ballot for a particular candidate, consider why you're doing it.
Are you doing it because you've researched, weighed issues of concern against a particular candidate's and have considered how their mission could impact your life?
Or is it because they have the flashiest commercials, put a particular candidate in a bad light in advertising and have the most visible yard signs?
It's easy to get caught up in the television ads. Those are meant to be attention-grabbing and nowadays, meant to more influence your opinion about an opposing candidate more than that of the person the ad supports. It's also easy to get caught up in the social media posts and visible promotions throughout the community, be it yard signs and mailers.
These items are meant to draw attention to a candidate and they're an important tool for candidates as they can reach a large number of people in little time. But you, as a voter, must be able to think beyond the onslaught of yard signs and postcards.
A candidate's sign will always tell you that he's the right person or she's the best choice. Be critical when you take in these words. Watch for news coverage of forums involving the candidates and see if what the candidate says lines up with what they've promised over their marketing. See if it's something that fits with your values and your wants in candidate.
Read closely the profiles in local media. These often allow candidates the chance to explain the issues they see, how they'll address them and what they hope to accomplish.
Do your own research, too. A candidate says they'll aim to serve for the taxpayer. Well, find what they looks like. Look up track records and see if what they say lines up with past behavior. Or look at what an opposing candidate has done with an issue as well.
Countless resources exist outside of quick hitting signs and social media posts and chances are, most of them are unbiased and informative. Doing a little research ahead of the polls is encouraged and doesn't need to take hours. Careful consideration and an ability to think for yourself can arm you with the best tools to cast your vote.
