Elections take place every year, and this year is no exception. Though presidential, senate and congressional elections often receive the most attention, the many state and local elections taking place across the country — which will decide who serves as judges, mayors, sheriffs, school board members, and more — will also have far-reaching effects on the lives of millions of people for many years to come.
Because state and local elections receive less media coverage, it can sometimes be hard to find local election candidate information, as well details on who and what is on your ballot. The good news, however, is that there are many resources, both online and in your community, that can help you better understand what’s at stake in state and local elections this season — and many of these resources also provide information on congressional races, so you can be fully prepared when you cast your ballot. This election research guide will help ensure that you and members of your community are leaving no power on the table.
Before you begin evaluating candidates or issues, you’ll need to know the races and ballot measures on which you’ll be voting. One way to find out is by entering your address into sample ballot generators — like those from LDF and Vote.org or Ballotpedia, for example.
These online tools are an easy way to learn when the next election in your state and locality is taking place. They will also generate a list of candidates and issues that will be on your ballot when you vote. It may be helpful to check both ballot generator tools to see which has more election candidate information and ballot measure details.
Several nonpartisan online resources will provide you with a comprehensive look at local election candidate information, like a candidate’s backgrounds, beliefs, and stances on policies. Many of these resources also offer background information on possible ballot questions, such as amendments to state constitutions. Because some websites may have more comprehensive information for your desired locality, candidate, or issue than others, it is best to use multiple sources to gain as much insight as possible.
Voter Resources
View what’s on your ballot in upcoming elections, including federal, state and local candidates and questions you’ll be able to vote on.
You can get a sense of a candidate’s background and position on various issues by looking at their campaign’s website. Even though a candidate’s website will be skewed in their own favor, comparing sites should give you a good sense of local election candidate information, specifically each candidate’s background and experience.
You can use social media to see how the candidates and their campaigns are interacting with the public. After looking at a candidate’s Twitter feed, Facebook page, Instagram account, and/or YouTube channel, you will have a better sense of their priorities, values, and style.
You can inform yourself through your local newspapers, radio, and television news. These sources can tell you about candidates’ public appearances, their recent statements to prospective voters and the media, and how they’re viewed by other members of the community. Local news, including your city’s public access cable TV channel, may also have information about candidate forums hosted by nonpartisan groups, such as the League of Women Voters or the American Association of University Women.
Another way to learn about a candidate is to ask your neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family members. If a candidate is already in office and is running for reelection, speaking with fellow members of your community can give you a strong sense of how the incumbent’s policies have affected people’s lives. Your neighbors may offer new perspectives on a candidate, issue, or measure that you might not have previously considered.
With election season already underway, taking a little time to gather political candidate information, including details on legislative and judicial candidates and ballot questions will help you feel fully prepared when it comes time to cast your ballot, whichever way you choose to do so – by mail, early in-person voting, or heading to the polls on Election Day. Remember, you have the power to shape the leadership and investments in your community by being informed about voting issues.
Finding and using voter guides and election toolkits is an essential step in making informed decisions during elections. These resources are designed to provide a comprehensive and curated view of election candidates and issues, helping you understand who the candidates in your area are and what they stand for.
Nonpartisan voter guides are excellent tools for obtaining general information. Prepared by reputable sources, these guides present factual data without any party leanings and often include candidate profiles, issue summaries, and information on ballot measures, giving voters a clear picture of their choices.
If you’re wondering, “Who are the candidates in my area?” or “What’s on my ballot?” you can use election toolkits and guides provided by state and local government websites and LDF’s Black Voters on the Rise election website. Platforms like Ballotpedia and Vote411 also provide expansive election toolkits and resources . These tools often include maps of electoral districts, lists of candidates running for various offices, and information on polling places. By entering your address or ZIP code, you can find the candidates and issues that will appear on your ballot.
LDF offers resources to voters on how to participate in the democratic process, including providing information on how to vote in person, secure an absentee ballot, research candidates and ballot initiatives, and become a volunteer. This information is available on LDF’s election resource website, www.ldf.vote.
Using these resources ensures that you are well-prepared when you go to vote and equipped with knowledge about candidate information and issues that matter most to your community.
Participating in community meetings and town halls is a vital way to engage with the political process and gather firsthand information about state and local candidates. These events are often organized for local election candidates, providing a platform for them to present their platforms, answer questions, and interact directly with voters.
Attending town hall meetings and community forums allows you to hear directly from the candidates running for office in your area. These events provide an opportunity to ask questions, express concerns, and get a better sense of the candidates’ policies and personalities. Engaging in these settings can help you make more informed choices and ensure that your voice is heard in the electoral process.
In addition to attending in person, many town halls and community meetings are now available online, making it easier than ever to participate. Check local government websites, community boards, and social media for announcements about upcoming events. Being active in these gatherings not only helps you understand candidates and issues but also strengthens your community by promoting an open dialogue and civic engagement.
Voter Resources
LDF works to protect voting rights and support Black political engagement. Through community-centered advocacy, we are fighting back. Find state-specific voting information about deadlines, polling places, registration information, and more.
LDF Original Content
Information about local elections and candidates can be hard to find. Our research guide helps you find the information about candidates and issues on the ballot in your communities that you need to be prepared to vote.
Voter Resources
Our state, municipal, and county-level elected officials make a wide range of decisions that shape our communities. We’ve compiled an index of some of the major elected positions in state and local government and their functions.
LDF Original Content
We created the following list of key election issues that inform the path forward to 2024 — and also identified opportunities for proactive advocacy so you can prepare to cast your ballots.
LDF Original Content
The Black Voters on the Rise initiative works to support Black political engagement by advancing Black voters’ rights and the promise of a free and fair democracy throughout the full life cycle of the democratic process.
LDF Report
Democracy Defended incorporates data points, key takeaways, and observations from elections in LDF’s target states in 2022 to help civil rights advocates engage strategically to support voters.
