According to GovTrack.US, there have been 491 instances of alleged and actual misconduct by legislators in the United States Congress from 1789 to the present.

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"The act of voting is one opportunity for us to remember that our whole way of life is predicated on the capacity of ordinary people to judge carefully and well.”

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Our due diligence isn't always enough. When it comes to something as important as the candidates that represent us, we owe it to ourselves, our child, our communities to do a deep dive. Understanding the character, values, and policies of the candidates we vote for is essential for a thriving democracy. But with censored social media platforms, biased search engines, and smooth talking politicians, how does the average citizen get the truth? 

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Here are some suggestions to thoroughly vet political candidates and make an informed decision on election day.

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Assess the Candidate's Campaign Promises

Campaign promises are a significant part of a candidate's strategy to win votes. However, it's vital to scrutinize these promises for their feasibility and alignment with your beliefs. Reflect on the candidate's ability and track record in fulfilling past promises. Is what they're promising attainable and does it resonate with your expectations?

 

Dig into the Candidate's Past

A thorough exploration of a candidate's past can be enlightening. Delve into their voting record, past political actions, career trajectory, and personal history. Look for any scandals or laudable accomplishments as these can provide a glimpse into their character and judgment. In your search, some helpful records to look into include:

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Residency

Military Record

State Business Records

Financial History

Criminal Record

County Court Records

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Understand the Candidate's Policy Standpoints

It's essential to comprehend the candidate's perspective on vital issues that impact you and your community such as healthcare, economy, education, and social justice. Investigate if their policy stances align with your personal beliefs and whether they prioritize the concerns that are crucial to you.

 

Examine the Candidate's Leadership Skills

A candidate's ability to lead is fundamental to their potential success in office. Pay attention to their past performance in positions of leadership. Have they demonstrated qualities such as the ability to motivate others, make challenging choices, or foster agreement among disparate groups? This can give insight into how they might lead in the role they're seeking.

 

Evaluate the Candidate's Communication Skills

Effective communication is crucial for a political candidate. This means being able to clearly express their views and intelligently respond to inquiries. Observe their performance in media interviews, public speeches, and debates. Their ability to communicate their thoughts and policies cogently can offer a sense of their potential as a leader.

 

Consider the Candidate's Financial Transparency

Reviewing a candidate's financial transparency is integral in understanding their character. Take a close look at their campaign contributions, disclosed tax returns, and any potential financial conflicts. Such data can reveal if the candidate has a public service focus or is more self-serving financially.

 

Check the Candidate's Education and Qualifications

The candidate's educational and professional qualifications can provide insight into their competence for the position. Review their academic achievements and professional background in both public and private sectors. However, don't rely solely on academic credentials or extensive work experience as indicators of a successful leader.

 

Gauge the Candidate's Dedication to Public Service

Assessing a candidate's commitment to public service can reveal their intentions to prioritize constituents' needs above personal or political ambitions. This can be reflected in their prior employment, volunteer efforts, and community engagement.

 

Follow Media and Public Opinion

While the media and public sentiment can provide valuable perspectives about a candidate, it's essential to approach these sources critically. Keep in mind that media outlets may harbor their own biases and the public can be influenced easily. Use this information as supplementary to your own research, but ultimately rely on your personal judgment and unbiased, factual evidence.

 

Trust Your Intuition

Ultimately, your personal instincts hold significant weight in your final decision. If a candidate gives you a sense of unease or doesn't sit right with you, even if you can't pinpoint the reason, it's essential to honor those feelings. Your intuition can serve as a powerful guide in navigating the election landscape.

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Need more in-depth information on a candidate? Contact us to learn more about our investigative services.