Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Project Vote Smart

By Stan G. Kain
October 18, 2003

One of the most valuable assets of the Internet is the ability to access current information from many sources.  Internet users must exercise good judgment before accepting a website as credible.  Many websites offer biased information, others give direct access to government agencies, while others offer facts, without the distortion of opinions.  The presentation of fact is essential, if one wishes to learn more about their elected representatives.  One of the most informative websites offering factual information is "Project Vote Smart."

Project Vote Smart offers citizens a wealth of information about their state and federal representatives.  The website also provides timely information about presidential candidates in the upcoming 2004 election.  Anyone wishing to study unbiased information about their elected officials will appreciate this website.

Project Vote Smart (PVS) is non-partisan.  The organiazation was founded in 1992, supported by national leaders including, former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford.  Congressional founders include former Senators Barry Goldwater and George McGovern.  Former Representatives Newt Gingrich and Geraldine Ferraro also participated in the founding efforts.  Financial support is exclusively through private donations and all staff are required to sign a pledge of absolute impartiality.

Web surfers may enter the name of a candidate or official, or locate their local representatives by entering their ZIP code.  PVS will display a biography of the official, including educational and political backgrounds.  The viewer is also shown a contact address for their representative.  PVS offers the site visitor much more than political press releases.

PVS provides information on candidates and elected officials in five categories.  The official's history is broken down into material about their background, position on issues, campaign finances, performance evaluations and their voting record.  You have an opportunity to compare what the representative says against his or her voting record.  You'll also see a factual representation as to where their election funds originate.  This is not a matter of opinion, but a matter of public record.

PVS uses the National Political Awareness Test.  Candidates and officials are asked to respond to an established list of questions.  Questions on the NPAT cover the following areas:

Abortion Issues
Budgetary, Spending and Tax Issues
Campaign Finance and Governmental Reform Issues
Crime Issues
Drug Issues
Educational Issues
Employment and Affirmative Action Issues
Environmental and Energy Issues
Legislative Priorities
Gun Issues
Health Issues
Immigration Issues
International Aid and Policy Issues
National Security Issues
Social Security Issues
Technology Issues
Welfare Issues

The only way a representative can "fail" the test is to not return it to PVS.  Perhaps their failure to do so speaks louder than their campaign literature.  The questions are non-partisan.  The test is also a positive questionnaire.  Candidates are asked which options they support, not which options they oppose.  The results are more informative in this format.

I believe PVS is one of the most informative and unbiased sources you will find to examine the position of your elected officials.  I hope you will take time to visit the site at: www.vote-smart.org/ .

James Madison, Author of the U.S. Constitution and 4th  President of the United States offered this advice.  "A popular government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy...a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives."  I think former President Madison would have been impressed with Project Vote Smart.

If you have questions or comments, please email Stan.

ⒸCopyright Stan G. Kain 2003

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