When looking at a list of candidates in an upcoming election, you might see some unfamiliar names, especially among those running for state and local offices.

To help you be a more informed voter, we’ve created a guide on how to learn who the candidates are, which policies they support, and what priorities they would pursue, if elected. We encourage you to also compare information from multiple sources to get a complete picture of a candidate from varying perspectives.

Follow these tips:

1. Research Candidates Through Official Websites and Social Media 

The easiest way to learn more about a candidate is to visit their official website and/or social media accounts.

On social media, be sure to look for the check marks or verification badges that indicate verified accounts. If you are doubtful about an account’s authenticity, check to see whether they are followed by or mentioned by verified people and organizations.

A candidate’s website and social media accounts are good places to start to identify issues they prioritize, learn about organizations and individuals they support, and see how they interact with voters. However, note that because these platforms are run by candidates and/or their campaign teams, they will generally portray the candidates in a positive light. Be sure to fact-check important claims and verify information with other sources.

2. Review Candidates’ LinkedIn Profiles and Professional Backgrounds

A platform that is often overlooked by voters but can be a helpful source of information is LinkedIn. Not every candidate has a public LinkedIn profile, but those who do might display their work history, professional leadership experience, and community involvement. 

It should be noted that, unlike other social media platforms, LinkedIn is not generally seen as a place to reach voters, so despite having profiles, some candidates might not be very active there. Nonetheless, LinkedIn can still provide information related to qualifications and affiliations to compare with details from news reports and other public records. 

3. Find Candidate Coverage in Local News and Election Reporting

It’s common for local news outlets to cover elections, and this is extremely useful for getting to know those less-publicized candidates running at the state and local levels. These outlets might have articles and interviews highlighting candidates, which can be found by searching for a candidate’s name on Google News, going to local news websites, or picking up physical copies of local newspapers. 

When interacting with news outlets, be sure to check their coverage history and verify that they are a reliable source. Additionally, it is important to be aware of a publication’s political leaning and where they stand on various issues. This can affect how they cover certain candidates.

As always, be sure to fact-check important claims and verify information with other sources.

4. Check Political Endorsements and Public Support

Endorsements are expressions of official support that a candidate receives. They often come from government officials, business leaders, nonprofit organizations, newspapers, and celebrities. Endorsements can provide insight into the groups and public figures that believe a candidate aligns with their goals and values.

One way to find endorsements is on the WeVote platform. You can access your ballot and click on each candidate’s profile to see who has publicly supported them. 

5. Contact Candidates to Ask Questions About Key Issues

If, after scouring the internet, you still have unanswered questions about certain candidates, it never hurts to reach out directly to learn where they stand on issues that matter to you. 

You can often find an email address and phone number on a candidate’s website or social media page. Candidates who are well-known usually have staff members dedicated to answering messages, but less well-known candidates have been known to respond to voters directly.

Occasionally, candidates might also appear at local events, such as meet and greets and town hall meetings, to talk to voters and hear their concerns. Consider attending these events if you have time. Building a connection with candidates can be a valuable way to engage in civic work and make an impact in your community.

Conclusion: Make an Informed Voting Decision

While researching ahead of elections can take some time and effort, informed voting is one of the most important ways for citizens to participate in democracy. By reviewing available information and asking questions, voters can make decisions based on a fuller understanding of candidates on their ballot and feel confident they are choosing people who will represent their interests in government.