Revision history for PCTProcessesOverview


Revision [54436]

Last edited on 2019-01-11 10:20:20 by JamesW [Resolved strike-throughs. Is all relevant info!]
Additions:
In an ideal scenario, these our plans for coverage of candidates, subject to change (note: incumbents will likely have additional information related to their current office): This work must also be coordinated with the Research Department, specifically the Profile sub-department. For Special Elections, they are covered less in Presidential election years. Congressional and Gubernatorial are always covered, state legislative special elections are not covered in Presidential Election years. :
|=|Election Coverage||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||
|=|Bio/Contact Research||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P(if time)/G||P/G||
|=|Mailed Out Bio Forms||G||G||G||G||G||G||G||
|=|Campaign Finance Information (if available from CRP/NIMSP)||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||
Deletions:
As of 2016, these our plans for coverage of candidates, subject to change (note: incumbents will likely have additional information related to their current office): This work must also be coordinated with the Research Department, specifically the Profile sub-department. For Special Elections, they are covered less in Presidential election years. Congressional and Gubernatorial are always covered, state legislative special elections are not covered in Presidential Election years. :
|=|Election info and Extended Contact Info||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||
++|=|Researched Bios||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P(if time)/G||P/G||++
++|=|Mailed Out Bio Forms||G||G||G||G||G||G||G||++
|=|Vote Easy ||G||N/A||N/A||N/A||N/A||N/A||P/G for majors||
++|=|Position Papers||P/G||P/G||P/G||P (if time)/G||P(if time)/G||P(if time)/G||P/G||
|=|Campaign Finance Information (if available from CRP/NIMSP)||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||++

Revision [18784]

Edited on 2016-12-09 10:00:28 by hannahk [Update to reflect 2016 information]
Additions:
As of 2016, these our plans for coverage of candidates, subject to change (note: incumbents will likely have additional information related to their current office): This work must also be coordinated with the Research Department, specifically the Profile sub-department. For Special Elections, they are covered less in Presidential election years. Congressional and Gubernatorial are always covered, state legislative special elections are not covered in Presidential Election years. :
++|=|Researched Bios||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P(if time)/G||P/G||++
++|=|Mailed Out Bio Forms||G||G||G||G||G||G||G||++
++|=|Position Papers||P/G||P/G||P/G||P (if time)/G||P(if time)/G||P(if time)/G||P/G||
|=|Campaign Finance Information (if available from CRP/NIMSP)||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||++
Deletions:
As of 2012, these our plans for coverage of candidates, subject to change (note: incumbents will likely have additional information related to their current office):
|=|Researched Bios||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P(if time)/G||P/G||
|=|Mailed Out Bio Forms||G||G||G||G||G||G||G||
|=|Position Papers||P/G||P/G||P/G||P (if time)/G||P(if time)/G||P(if time)/G||P/G||
|=|Campaign Finance Information (if available from CRP/NIMSP)||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||

Revision [18231]

Edited on 2016-08-24 15:10:51 by walker [Update to reflect 2016 information]
Additions:
>>{{{toc}}}>>
Deletions:
<<{{{toc}}}<<

Revision [18230]

Edited on 2016-08-24 15:08:40 by walker [Update to reflect 2016 information]
Additions:
<<{{{toc}}}<<
Deletions:
>>{{{toc}}}>>

Revision [17944]

Edited on 2016-06-21 15:42:24 by KristenVicedomini [Update to reflect 2016 information]
Additions:
The [[ElectionResources Election Resources]] division within the Research Department covers ballot measures, voter registration, local election offices, party information, and other election resources
Besides our website, we provide elections-related information through our the Voter's Self-Defense Manual (sometime called the U.S. Government Owner's Manual), our Voter's Research Hotline, on other websites through our API, and via VoteEasy, in which citizens are able to compare candidates' issue positions to their own as well as compare candidates' issue positions side-by-side. see: ManagingInformationDelivery for a more complete list
Deletions:
==Ballot Measures==
The purpose of the Project Vote Smart [[BallotMeasures Ballot Measures Program]] is to provide information for voters on the various statewide initiatives, referenda, state questions, bond measures, or constitutional amendments that voters are presented with. We cover statewide ballot measures initiated by the people or by the legislature during primary, general, and special elections. Our content is retrieved from Secretary of State's offices, and includes: the actual text of the measure, links to the original legislation, any summaries of the ballot measure we can find, the pros and cons, election results, and vote totals. Currently, this information cannot be accessed through a zip-to-district search, and must be selected from the menu on the left. As a result, many voters do not know we have this information- you should direct them to it as much as possible.
==Voter Registration==
While we call this section "voter registration" we actually have other information that would be useful to voters: how to verify registration, voting absentee, early voting, and polling place information. This information is retrieved from each state's election website, and is usually updated twice a year.
==Local Election Offices==
If it is close to the day of the election, or if someone has a complicated situation that you wouldn't be able to answer (like they have just moved to another district and want to know where to vote), it is best to refer them to their local election office. These offices are grouped by locality- typically, it is their county election office, but some states have regional or town election offices.
==Election Resources==
Our election resources section is really just another way to get to our voter registration information, local election office directory, and to find the contact information for the state's elections office and campaign finance office.
Besides our website, we provide elections-related information through our U.S. Government Owner's Manual (formerly the Voter's Self-Defense Manual), our Voter's Research Hotline, on other websites through our API, and via VoteEasy, in which citizens are able to compare candidates' issue positions to their own as well as compare candidates' issue positions side-by-side. see: ManagingInformationDelivery for a more complete list

Revision [17939]

Edited on 2016-06-21 15:24:43 by KristenVicedomini [Update to reflect 2016 information]
Additions:
>>{{{toc}}}>>
Deletions:
>>{{{toc}}>>

Revision [17938]

Edited on 2016-06-21 15:24:34 by KristenVicedomini [Update to reflect 2016 information]
Additions:
>>{{{toc}}>>
===Scope of Candidate Coverage===
While it would be nice to have comprehensive coverage for all candidates, our level of staffing forces us to prioritize certain offices over others. Federal offices will typically get the most coverage, as they are of national interest and represent large geographic areas and/or large populations. Next in line are statewide offices, followed by the state legislatures. We are one of the few websites that actually provides information on state legislative and statewide offices. Unfortunately we just do not have the capacity to cover local elections, judicial elections (besides those of the highest court), or local ballot measures (see the quality control section for how to find information about these other elections). We do try to provide coverage for candidates before their primaries, but this more than doubles our pool of candidates, making it difficult to provide comprehensive coverage for everybody.
As of 2012, these our plans for coverage of candidates, subject to change (note: incumbents will likely have additional information related to their current office):
Deletions:
While it would be nice to have comprehensive coverage for all candidates, our level of staffing forces us to prioritize certain offices over others. Federal offices will typically get the most coverage, as they are of national interest and represent large geographic areas and/or large populations. Next in line are statewide offices, followed by the state legislatures. We are one of the few websites that actually provides information on state legislative and statewide offices. Unfortunately we just do not have the capacity to cover local elections, judicial elections (besides those of the highest court), or local ballot measures (see the quality control section for how to find information about these other elections). We do try to provide coverage for candidates before their primaries, but this more than doubles our pool of candidates, making it difficult to provide comprehensive coverage for everybody. As of 2012, these our plans for coverage of candidates, subject to change (note: incumbents will likely have additional information related to their current office):

Revision [12315]

Edited on 2014-12-24 16:29:47 by KristenVicedomini [Update to reflect 2016 information]
Additions:
Besides our website, we provide elections-related information through our U.S. Government Owner's Manual (formerly the Voter's Self-Defense Manual), our Voter's Research Hotline, on other websites through our API, and via VoteEasy, in which citizens are able to compare candidates' issue positions to their own as well as compare candidates' issue positions side-by-side. see: ManagingInformationDelivery for a more complete list
Deletions:
Besides our website, we provide elections-related information through our U.S. Government Owner's Manual (formerly the Voter's Self-Defense Manual), our Voter's Research Hotline, on other websites through our API, and via VoteEasy, in which citizens are able to compare candidates' issue positions to their own as well as compare candidates' issue positions side-by-side.

Revision [11087]

Edited on 2014-06-22 20:02:10 by KristenVicedomini [Update to reflect 2016 information]
Additions:
|=||=|U.S. Congress|=|Federal and State Special Elections (except state leg)|=|Governor|=|Lieutenant Governor and Statewide Offices|=|State Judicial (highest court(s) in each state)|=|State Legislature|=|President/VP|=|
Deletions:
|=||=|U.S. Congress|=|Special Elections (except state leg)|=|Governor|=|Lieutenant Governor and Statewide Offices|=|State Judicial (highest court(s) in each state)|=|State Legislature|=|President/VP|=|

Revision [10736]

Edited on 2014-04-10 13:59:07 by MichaelM [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
[[PCTCandidateCoverage Candidate Coverage by the PCT Department]]
[[ResearchCandidateCoverage Candidate Coverage by the Research Department]]
While we call this section "voter registration" we actually have other information that would be useful to voters: how to verify registration, voting absentee, early voting, and polling place information. This information is retrieved from each state's election website, and is usually updated twice a year.
If it is close to the day of the election, or if someone has a complicated situation that you wouldn't be able to answer (like they have just moved to another district and want to know where to vote), it is best to refer them to their local election office. These offices are grouped by locality- typically, it is their county election office, but some states have regional or town election offices.
Our election resources section is really just another way to get to our voter registration information, local election office directory, and to find the contact information for the state's elections office and campaign finance office.
Deletions:
- [[PCTCandidateCoverage Candidate Coverage by the PCT Department]]
- [[ResearchCandidateCoverage Candidate Coverage by the Research Department]]
While we call this section "voter registration" we actually have other information that would be useful to voters: how to verify registration, voting absentee, early voting, and polling place information. This information is retrieved from each state�s election website, and is usually updated twice a year.
If it is close to the day of the election, or if someone has a complicated situation that you wouldn�t be able to answer (like they have just moved to another district and want to know where to vote), it is best to refer them to their local election office. These offices are grouped by locality- typically, it is their county election office, but some states have regional or town election offices.
Our election resources section is really just another way to get to our voter registration information, local election office directory, and to find the contact information for the state�s elections office and campaign finance office.

Revision [8495]

Edited on 2013-04-01 20:34:43 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
|=||=|U.S. Congress|=|Special Elections (except state leg)|=|Governor|=|Lieutenant Governor and Statewide Offices|=|State Judicial (highest court(s) in each state)|=|State Legislature|=|President/VP|=|
Deletions:
|=||=|U.S. Congress|=|Federal/Gub Special Elections|=|Governor|=|Lieutenant Governor and Statewide Offices|=|State Judicial|=|State Legislature|=|President|=|

Revision [8130]

Edited on 2013-03-19 13:33:55 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
|=|Election info and Extended Contact Info||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||
Deletions:
|=|Election info and Contact info on Candidate List and Campaign Website||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||

Revision [8125]

Edited on 2013-03-19 13:20:02 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
While we call this section "voter registration" we actually have other information that would be useful to voters: how to verify registration, voting absentee, early voting, and polling place information. This information is retrieved from each state�s election website, and is usually updated twice a year.
If it is close to the day of the election, or if someone has a complicated situation that you wouldn�t be able to answer (like they have just moved to another district and want to know where to vote), it is best to refer them to their local election office. These offices are grouped by locality- typically, it is their county election office, but some states have regional or town election offices.
Our election resources section is really just another way to get to our voter registration information, local election office directory, and to find the contact information for the state�s elections office and campaign finance office.
Deletions:
====Summary of the Political Courage Test====
**What is the Political Courage Test?**
The Political Courage Test is a test of candidates willingness to tell citizens their positions on the issues. The Test asks candidates specifically, "Are you willing to tell citizens where you stand on the issues you may face if elected?" In order to pass the test, the candidate simply has to answer a few questions on their issue positions.
**How is the Political Courage Test constructed?**
The issues included in the Political Courage Test have been researched by the department staff and reviewed an approved by the Project Vote Smart Board. The issues included on the test are highly salient and likely to be addressed in the next legislative session. This is determined by examining national and state polls, majority, minority, and third party platforms, key addresses, and media coverage.
**How is the Political Courage Test conducted?**
All candidates for President, Congress, Governor, and state legislature are tested over the course of 4-6 weeks. During this time, Project Vote Smart contacts the candidates (documenting every point of contact or attempted contact), encouraging them to take the Test.
Should a candidate for President, Congress, or Governor choose not to respond, Project Vote Smart will research his/her issue positions. These inferred determinations are provided to the public on Votesmart.org and on VoteEasy.
**What is VoteEasy? **
VoteEasy is a flash-based interactive tool that allows users to take the Political Courage Test and find which candidates will best represent their interests.
====Standard Staffing====
**Director: Oversees all PCT research/operations, including:**
~-Solve departmental problems
~-Create and maintain departmental calendars, approve all sub-departmental calendars
~-Manage the research and writing of the Political Courage Tests
~-Coordinate with Research and Media departments
~-Generate all Press Reports
~-Release all PCTs
~-Manage quick response team: candidate fights/research disputes
~-Assist in the checking of PCTs, bios, and candidate lists
~-Oversee the supervision of interns and member volunteers
**Administrator: Oversees the administration of the Political Courage Test**
~-Organize and manage mailings
~-Create and maintain administrative calendars and checklists
~-Coordinate candidate communications: Political Courage Test e-mail account, phone calls, e-mails, faxes, and snail mail
~-Manage submitted PCTs and bios and organize checks
~-Training of interns and member volunteers on administrative tasks
**Quality Control: Oversees elections coverage**
~-Collect and enter candidate lists (and updates): federal, statewide, and state legislative
~-Track exception candidates
~-Gather and update primary/general election results
~-Create and maintain QC calendars and checklists
~-Assist PCT Administration
~-Training of interns and member volunteers on quality control tasks
**Researcher: Oversees the research and writing of the Political Courage Tests**
~-Research and write Federal and State-Level Political Courage Tests
~-Manage research on Presidential, Congressional, and Gubernatorial candidates' issue positions
~-Create and maintain research calendars and checklists
~-Code Political Courage Tests
~-Assist checking PCTS and bios
~-Training of interns and member volunteers on Political Courage Test research tasks
**Political Courage Test Interns are responsible for the following:**
~-Researching candidate biographical information
~-Processing/ checking submitted Political Courage Tests
~-Formatting candidate lists/assigning candidate Ids
~-Assisting candidate contacts (mailings, phone calls)
~-Assist checking PCTS and bios
~-Researching issue positions for federal/gubernatorial candidates (VoteEasy research)
While we call this section "voter registration" we actually have other information that would be useful to voters: how to verify registration, voting absentee, early voting, and polling place information. This information is retrieved from each state’s election website, and is usually updated twice a year.
If it is close to the day of the election, or if someone has a complicated situation that you wouldn’t be able to answer (like they have just moved to another district and want to know where to vote), it is best to refer them to their local election office. These offices are grouped by locality- typically, it is their county election office, but some states have regional or town election offices.
Our election resources section is really just another way to get to our voter registration information, local election office directory, and to find the contact information for the state’s elections office and campaign finance office.

Revision [6213]

Edited on 2012-05-25 16:55:25 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
Besides our website, we provide elections-related information through our U.S. Government Owner's Manual (formerly the Voter's Self-Defense Manual), our Voter's Research Hotline, on other websites through our API, and via VoteEasy, in which citizens are able to compare candidates' issue positions to their own as well as compare candidates' issue positions side-by-side.
Deletions:
Besides our website, we provide elections-related information through our U.S. Government Owner's Manual (formerly the Voter's Self-Defense Manual), our Voter's Research Hotline, on other websites through our API, and via our new web-based tool, in which citizens are able to compare candidates' issue positions to their own as well as compare candidates' issue positions side-by-side.

Revision [5746]

Edited on 2012-02-16 12:53:51 by DarrenMcDivitt [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
====Standard Staffing====
**Director: Oversees all PCT research/operations, including:**
~-Solve departmental problems
~-Create and maintain departmental calendars, approve all sub-departmental calendars
~-Manage the research and writing of the Political Courage Tests
~-Coordinate with Research and Media departments
~-Generate all Press Reports
~-Release all PCTs
~-Manage quick response team: candidate fights/research disputes
~-Assist in the checking of PCTs, bios, and candidate lists
~-Oversee the supervision of interns and member volunteers
**Administrator: Oversees the administration of the Political Courage Test**
~-Organize and manage mailings
~-Create and maintain administrative calendars and checklists
~-Coordinate candidate communications: Political Courage Test e-mail account, phone calls, e-mails, faxes, and snail mail
~-Manage submitted PCTs and bios and organize checks
~-Training of interns and member volunteers on administrative tasks
**Quality Control: Oversees elections coverage**
~-Collect and enter candidate lists (and updates): federal, statewide, and state legislative
~-Track exception candidates
~-Gather and update primary/general election results
~-Create and maintain QC calendars and checklists
~-Assist PCT Administration
~-Training of interns and member volunteers on quality control tasks
**Researcher: Oversees the research and writing of the Political Courage Tests**
~-Research and write Federal and State-Level Political Courage Tests
~-Manage research on Presidential, Congressional, and Gubernatorial candidates' issue positions
~-Create and maintain research calendars and checklists
~-Code Political Courage Tests
~-Assist checking PCTS and bios
~-Training of interns and member volunteers on Political Courage Test research tasks
**Political Courage Test Interns are responsible for the following:**
~-Researching candidate biographical information
~-Processing/ checking submitted Political Courage Tests
~-Formatting candidate lists/assigning candidate Ids
~-Assisting candidate contacts (mailings, phone calls)
~-Assist checking PCTS and bios
~-Researching issue positions for federal/gubernatorial candidates (VoteEasy research)

Revision [5745]

Edited on 2012-02-16 12:51:04 by DarrenMcDivitt [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
====Summary of the Political Courage Test====
**What is the Political Courage Test?**
The Political Courage Test is a test of candidates willingness to tell citizens their positions on the issues. The Test asks candidates specifically, "Are you willing to tell citizens where you stand on the issues you may face if elected?" In order to pass the test, the candidate simply has to answer a few questions on their issue positions.
**How is the Political Courage Test constructed?**
The issues included in the Political Courage Test have been researched by the department staff and reviewed an approved by the Project Vote Smart Board. The issues included on the test are highly salient and likely to be addressed in the next legislative session. This is determined by examining national and state polls, majority, minority, and third party platforms, key addresses, and media coverage.
**How is the Political Courage Test conducted?**
All candidates for President, Congress, Governor, and state legislature are tested over the course of 4-6 weeks. During this time, Project Vote Smart contacts the candidates (documenting every point of contact or attempted contact), encouraging them to take the Test.
Should a candidate for President, Congress, or Governor choose not to respond, Project Vote Smart will research his/her issue positions. These inferred determinations are provided to the public on Votesmart.org and on VoteEasy.
**What is VoteEasy? **
VoteEasy is a flash-based interactive tool that allows users to take the Political Courage Test and find which candidates will best represent their interests.

Revision [5727]

Edited on 2012-02-15 16:21:35 by ChrisLynn [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
|=|Campaign Finance Information (if available from CRP/NIMSP)||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||
Deletions:
|=|Campaign Finance Information (if available from CRP/IMSP)||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||

Revision [5726]

Edited on 2012-02-15 16:17:17 by ChrisLynn [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
|=|Researched Bios||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P(if time)/G||P/G||
|=|Position Papers||P/G||P/G||P/G||P (if time)/G||P(if time)/G||P(if time)/G||P/G||
|=|Endorsements||P (if time)/G||G||G||G||G||G||P/G||
|=|Researched Photos||P (if time)/G||P (if time) G||P (if time)/G||P (if time)/G||G (if time) || G ||P/G for majors||
Deletions:
|=|Researched Bios||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||G (if time)||P/G||
|=|Position Papers||P/G||P/G||P/G||G (if time)||G (if time)||G (if time)||P/G||
|=|Endorsements||G||G||G||G||G||G||P/G||
|=|Researched Photos||G||G (if time)||G (if time)||G (if time)|| || ||P/G for majors||

Revision [5720]

Edited on 2012-02-15 13:32:31 by DarrenMcDivitt [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
|=||=|U.S. Congress|=|Federal/Gub Special Elections|=|Governor|=|Lieutenant Governor and Statewide Offices|=|State Judicial|=|State Legislature|=|President|=|
|=|Election info and Contact info on Candidate List and Campaign Website||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||
|=|Researched Bios||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||G (if time)||P/G||
|=|Mailed Out Bio Forms||G||G||G||G||G||G||G||
|=|Administer PCT||P/G||possibly G||G||G or N/A ||N/A ||G||P/G||
|=|Vote Easy ||G||N/A||N/A||N/A||N/A||N/A||P/G for majors||
|=|Position Papers||P/G||P/G||P/G||G (if time)||G (if time)||G (if time)||P/G||
|=|Speeches from Campaign Website||G||G||G|| || || ||P/G for majors||
|=|Candidate Ratings and Evaluations (if available)||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||possibly||
|=|Endorsements||G||G||G||G||G||G||P/G||
|=|Researched Photos||G||G (if time)||G (if time)||G (if time)|| || ||P/G for majors||
|=|Campaign Finance Information (if available from CRP/IMSP)||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||
Deletions:
|=||=|U.S. Congress|=|Federal/Gub Special Elections|=|Governor|=|Lieutenant Governor and Statewide Offices|=|State Judicial|=|State Legislature|=|
|=|Election info and Contact info on Candidate List and Campaign Website||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||
|=|Researched Bios||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||G (if time)||
|=|Mailed Out Bio Forms||G||G||G||G||G||G||
|=|Administer PCT||P/G||possibly G||G||G or N/A ||N/A ||G||
|=|Abridged PCT Research/"Vote Easy" Flash Application||G|| || || || || ||
|=|Position Papers||P/G||P/G||P/G||G (if time)||G (if time)||G (if time)||
|=|Speeches from Campaign Website||G||G||G|| || || ||
|=|Candidate Ratings and Evaluations (if available)||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||
|=|Endorsements||G||G||G||G||G||G||
|=|Researched Photos||G||G (if time)||G (if time)||G (if time)|| || ||
|=|Campaign Finance Information (if available from CRP/IMSP)||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||

Revision [5716]

Edited on 2012-02-15 13:16:07 by DarrenMcDivitt [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
|=|Administer PCT||P/G||possibly G||G||G or N/A ||N/A ||G||
Deletions:
|=|Administer PCT||P/G||possibly G||G||G or N/A ||N/A ||G (email and mail contacts only)||

Revision [5715]

Edited on 2012-02-15 13:15:57 by DarrenMcDivitt [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
|=|Administer PCT||P/G||possibly G||G||G or N/A ||N/A ||G (email and mail contacts only)||
Deletions:
|=|Administer PCT||P/G||possibly G||G|| || ||G (email and mail contacts only)||

Revision [5714]

Edited on 2012-02-15 13:15:37 by DarrenMcDivitt [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
|=|Administer PCT||P/G||possibly G||G|| || ||G (email and mail contacts only)||
Deletions:
|=|Administer PCT||G||possibly G||G|| || ||G (email and mail contacts only)||

Revision [5713]

Edited on 2012-02-15 13:15:01 by DarrenMcDivitt [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
|=|Mailed Out Bio Forms||G||G||G||G||G||G||
Deletions:
|=|Mailed Out Bio Forms||G||possibly G||G||possibly G||possibly G||G||

Revision [5712]

Edited on 2012-02-15 13:13:45 by DarrenMcDivitt [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
While it would be nice to have comprehensive coverage for all candidates, our level of staffing forces us to prioritize certain offices over others. Federal offices will typically get the most coverage, as they are of national interest and represent large geographic areas and/or large populations. Next in line are statewide offices, followed by the state legislatures. We are one of the few websites that actually provides information on state legislative and statewide offices. Unfortunately we just do not have the capacity to cover local elections, judicial elections (besides those of the highest court), or local ballot measures (see the quality control section for how to find information about these other elections). We do try to provide coverage for candidates before their primaries, but this more than doubles our pool of candidates, making it difficult to provide comprehensive coverage for everybody. As of 2012, these our plans for coverage of candidates, subject to change (note: incumbents will likely have additional information related to their current office):
Deletions:
While it would be nice to have comprehensive coverage for all candidates, our level of staffing forces us to prioritize certain offices over others. Federal offices will typically get the most coverage, as they are of national interest and represent large geographic areas and/or large populations. Next in line are statewide offices, followed by the state legislatures. We are one of the few websites that actually provides information on state legislative and statewide offices (new this year), so be sure to point citizens to this information, as they may not find it elsewhere. Unfortunately we just do not have the capacity to cover local elections, judicial elections besides those of the highest court, or local ballot measures (see the quality control section for how to find information about these other elections). We do try to provide coverage for candidates before their primaries, but this more than doubles our pool of candidates, making it difficult to provide comprehensive coverage for everybody. As of 2010, these our plans for coverage of candidates, subject to change (note: incumbents will likely have additional information related to their current office):

Revision [4745]

Edited on 2011-01-07 10:51:33 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
|=|Abridged PCT Research/"Vote Easy" Flash Application||G|| || || || || ||
Deletions:
|=|Abridged PCT Research/"Vote Smart" Flash Application||G|| || || || || ||

Revision [4026]

Edited on 2010-05-20 09:43:46 by NatalieAdona [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
The purpose of the Project Vote Smart [[BallotMeasures Ballot Measures Program]] is to provide information for voters on the various statewide initiatives, referenda, state questions, bond measures, or constitutional amendments that voters are presented with. We cover statewide ballot measures initiated by the people or by the legislature during primary, general, and special elections. Our content is retrieved from Secretary of State's offices, and includes: the actual text of the measure, links to the original legislation, any summaries of the ballot measure we can find, the pros and cons, election results, and vote totals. Currently, this information cannot be accessed through a zip-to-district search, and must be selected from the menu on the left. As a result, many voters do not know we have this information- you should direct them to it as much as possible.
Deletions:
The purpose of the Project Vote Smart [[BallotMeasures Ballot Measures Program]] is to provide information for voters on the various statewide initiatives, referenda, state questions, bond measures, or constitutional amendments that voters are presented with. We cover anything placed the ballot statewide for voters to approve or disapprove, regardless of whether the measure was initiated by the people or by the legislature. These might take place in the primary, general, or special elections. Our content is retrieved from Secretary of State's offices, and includes: the actual text of the measure, links to the original legislation, any summaries of the ballot measure we can find, the pros and cons, election results, and vote totals. Currently, this information cannot be accessed through a zip-to-district search, and must be selected from the menu on the left. As a result, many voters do not know we have this information- you should direct them to it as much as possible.

Revision [4025]

Edited on 2010-05-20 09:42:09 by NatalieAdona [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
The purpose of the Project Vote Smart [[BallotMeasures Ballot Measures Program]] is to provide information for voters on the various statewide initiatives, referenda, state questions, bond measures, or constitutional amendments that voters are presented with. We cover anything placed the ballot statewide for voters to approve or disapprove, regardless of whether the measure was initiated by the people or by the legislature. These might take place in the primary, general, or special elections. Our content is retrieved from Secretary of State's offices, and includes: the actual text of the measure, links to the original legislation, any summaries of the ballot measure we can find, the pros and cons, election results, and vote totals. Currently, this information cannot be accessed through a zip-to-district search, and must be selected from the menu on the left. As a result, many voters do not know we have this information- you should direct them to it as much as possible.
Deletions:
The purpose of the Project Vote Smart ballot measure program is to provide information for voters on the various statewide initiatives, referenda, state questions, bond measures, or constitutional amendments that voters are presented with. We cover anything placed the ballot statewide for voters to approve or disapprove, regardless of whether the measure was initiated by the people or by the legislature. These might take place in the primary, general, or special elections. Our content is retrieved from Secretary of State's offices, and includes: the actual text of the measure, links to the original legislation, any summaries of the ballot measure we can find, the pros and cons, election results, and vote totals. Currently, this information cannot be accessed through a zip-to-district search, and must be selected from the menu on the left. As a result, many voters do not know we have this information- you should direct them to it as much as possible.

Revision [3972]

Edited on 2010-05-18 13:29:29 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
===Accessing Information===
Deletions:
===Information Accessibility===

Revision [3971]

Edited on 2010-05-18 13:28:38 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]

No Differences

Revision [3970]

Edited on 2010-05-18 13:28:25 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
The purpose of the Project Vote Smart ballot measure program is to provide information for voters on the various statewide initiatives, referenda, state questions, bond measures, or constitutional amendments that voters are presented with. We cover anything placed the ballot statewide for voters to approve or disapprove, regardless of whether the measure was initiated by the people or by the legislature. These might take place in the primary, general, or special elections. Our content is retrieved from Secretary of State's offices, and includes: the actual text of the measure, links to the original legislation, any summaries of the ballot measure we can find, the pros and cons, election results, and vote totals. Currently, this information cannot be accessed through a zip-to-district search, and must be selected from the menu on the left. As a result, many voters do not know we have this information- you should direct them to it as much as possible.
Deletions:
The purpose of the Project Vote Smart ballot measure program is to provide information for voters on the various statewide initiatives, referenda, state questions, bond measures, or constitutional amendments that voters are presented with. We cover anything placed the ballot statewide for voters to approve or disapprove, regardless of whether the measure was initiated by the people or by the legislature. These might take place in the primary, general, or special election. Our content is retrieved from Secretary of State's offices, and includes: the actual text of the measure, links to the original legislation, any summaries of the ballot measure we can find, the pros and cons, election results, and vote totals. Currently, this information cannot be accessed through a zip-to-district search, and must be selected from the menu on the left. As a result, many voters do not know we have this information- you should direct them to it as much as possible.

Revision [3969]

Edited on 2010-05-18 13:27:42 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
The purpose of the Project Vote Smart ballot measure program is to provide information for voters on the various statewide initiatives, referenda, state questions, bond measures, or constitutional amendments that voters are presented with. We cover anything placed the ballot statewide for voters to approve or disapprove, regardless of whether the measure was initiated by the people or by the legislature. These might take place in the primary, general, or special election. Our content is retrieved from Secretary of State's offices, and includes: the actual text of the measure, links to the original legislation, any summaries of the ballot measure we can find, the pros and cons, election results, and vote totals. Currently, this information cannot be accessed through a zip-to-district search, and must be selected from the menu on the left. As a result, many voters do not know we have this information- you should direct them to it as much as possible.
Deletions:
The purpose of the Project Vote Smart ballot measure program is to provide information for voters on the various statewide initiatives, referenda, state questions, bond measures, or constitutional amendments that voters are presented with. We cover anything placed the ballot statewide for voters to approve or disapprove, regardless of whether the measure was initiated by the people or by the legislature. These might take place in the primary, general, or special election. Our content is retrieved from Secretary of State's offices, and includes: the actual text of the measure, links to the original legislation, any summaries of the ballot measure we can find, the pros and cons, election results, and vote totals. Currently, this information cannot be accessed through a zip-to-district search, and must be selected from the menu on the left.

Revision [3968]

Edited on 2010-05-18 13:26:41 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
==Ballot Measures==
The purpose of the Project Vote Smart ballot measure program is to provide information for voters on the various statewide initiatives, referenda, state questions, bond measures, or constitutional amendments that voters are presented with. We cover anything placed the ballot statewide for voters to approve or disapprove, regardless of whether the measure was initiated by the people or by the legislature. These might take place in the primary, general, or special election. Our content is retrieved from Secretary of State's offices, and includes: the actual text of the measure, links to the original legislation, any summaries of the ballot measure we can find, the pros and cons, election results, and vote totals. Currently, this information cannot be accessed through a zip-to-district search, and must be selected from the menu on the left.
Deletions:
ballot measures

Revision [3967]

Edited on 2010-05-18 13:22:09 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
Besides our website, we provide elections-related information through our U.S. Government Owner's Manual (formerly the Voter's Self-Defense Manual), our Voter's Research Hotline, on other websites through our API, and via our new web-based tool, in which citizens are able to compare candidates' issue positions to their own as well as compare candidates' issue positions side-by-side.
Deletions:
Besides our website, we provide elections-related information through U.S. Government Owner's Manual (formerly the Voter's Self-Defense Manual), our Voter's Research Hotline,

Revision [3966]

Edited on 2010-05-18 13:16:44 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
While it would be nice to have comprehensive coverage for all candidates, our level of staffing forces us to prioritize certain offices over others. Federal offices will typically get the most coverage, as they are of national interest and represent large geographic areas and/or large populations. Next in line are statewide offices, followed by the state legislatures. We are one of the few websites that actually provides information on state legislative and statewide offices (new this year), so be sure to point citizens to this information, as they may not find it elsewhere. Unfortunately we just do not have the capacity to cover local elections, judicial elections besides those of the highest court, or local ballot measures (see the quality control section for how to find information about these other elections). We do try to provide coverage for candidates before their primaries, but this more than doubles our pool of candidates, making it difficult to provide comprehensive coverage for everybody. As of 2010, these our plans for coverage of candidates, subject to change (note: incumbents will likely have additional information related to their current office):
===Information Accessibility===
Besides our website, we provide elections-related information through U.S. Government Owner's Manual (formerly the Voter's Self-Defense Manual), our Voter's Research Hotline,
Deletions:
While it would be nice to have comprehensive coverage for all candidates, our level of staffing forces us to prioritize certain offices over others. Federal offices will typically get the most coverage, as they are of national interest and represent large geographic areas and/or large populations. Next in line are statewide offices, followed by the state legislatures. We are one of the few websites that actually provides information on state legislative and statewide offices (new this year), so be sure to point citizens to this information, as they may not find it elsewhere. Unfortunately we just do not have the capacity to cover local elections (see the quality control section for how to find information about local elections). We do try to provide coverage for candidates before their primaries, but this more than doubles our pool of candidates, making it difficult to provide comprehensive coverage for everybody. As of 2010, these our plans for coverage of candidates, subject to change (note: incumbents will likely have additional information related to their current office):
vsdm
hotline
candidates we don't cover- local, judicial, cities, states
what we have does not represent the ballot they will receive- other offices up for election, other ballot measures

Revision [3965]

Edited on 2010-05-18 13:12:15 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
===Other Election-Related Coverage (Research Department)===
==Voter Registration==
While we call this section "voter registration" we actually have other information that would be useful to voters: how to verify registration, voting absentee, early voting, and polling place information. This information is retrieved from each state’s election website, and is usually updated twice a year.
==Local Election Offices==
If it is close to the day of the election, or if someone has a complicated situation that you wouldn’t be able to answer (like they have just moved to another district and want to know where to vote), it is best to refer them to their local election office. These offices are grouped by locality- typically, it is their county election office, but some states have regional or town election offices.
==Election Resources==
Our election resources section is really just another way to get to our voter registration information, local election office directory, and to find the contact information for the state’s elections office and campaign finance office.
Deletions:
Other election-related coverage
voter registration
election resources
local election offices

Revision [3943]

Edited on 2010-05-04 15:45:03 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Deletions:
Research Department coverage
Position Papers
Speeches from campaign website
candidate ratings and evaluations
endorsements
researched photos
Campaign Finance

Revision [3941]

Edited on 2010-05-04 15:44:00 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
- [[PCTCandidateCoverage Candidate Coverage by the PCT Department]]
- [[ResearchCandidateCoverage Candidate Coverage by the Research Department]]
Deletions:
===PCT Department===
==Quality Control (questions can be directed to Aaron or Kristen):==
We get our candidate lists from the Secretary of State's office, and only include those candidates that have met the qualifications to be on the ballot. We list their party affiliation as it will appear on the ballot. If we are missing a whole state's candidates from our site, it is either because the Secretary of State's office hasn't released a list yet or has released it recently and we haven't gotten to it yet. Understand that we are attempting to take care of tens of thousands of candidates so will never be 100% up-to-date. That doesn't mean we can't tell citizens any information about their candidates though. First of all, they can research their incumbents on our site, who are likely to be up for election that year. You might need to look up what offices are up for election that year- this should be easy to find. To see who else might be up for election, you can direct them to the candidate list (if available) on the state elections' office website. Other sources can include: Politics1.com, thegreenpapers.com, google searches for the office and district in question, or their local newspaper (we have a directory of state media sources on our site that might help). If someone is looking for information on local candidates and local ballot measures, try directing them to their local election office (a directory of which is also on our site).
If someone claims we are missing a certain candidate from our site, it can be due to one of several things. We will need to investigate the situation further, but do not assume that we have it wrong.:
- the person is a write-in candidate only
- the person's filing for candidacy has not yet been cleared by the secretary of state's office
- the secretary of state's office has not updated their candidate filing list recently (if this is so, we would accept a signed statement from the sec state's office that indicates that person will be on a ballot- but this is usually furnished by the candidate)
- we haven't gotten to updating that state's candidate list. We do not generally add individual candidates- we will add a whole state's update at a time to be fair to all candidates. We may or may not know that an updated list is available, so if you are pointed to a discrepancy between our list and that of the sec state, pass this information on to Aaron.
More information about our processes for maintaining our database of candidates, see: [[AddingCandidatestoElections here]]. This year we are primarily importing candidate lists directly from the sec state's office, allowing for greater accuracy and reducing our workload. However, this still takes some time, as we have to format the lists and match them to our candidate IDs.
The day after an election, we QC collects election results and inputs it into our database. Our website will essentially show a Winner's List.
Please consult Aaron or Kristen for issues regarding election structure, ballot access, determining winners of an election, majority/plurality rules, lieutenant governor elections, judicial elections, and unopposed candidates being on the ballot.
==Contact Info and Bios (questions can be directed to Matthew or Kristen):==
Our campaign contact information is derived from several sources:
- the contact information that the candidate files with (sometimes this will be for their home)
- contact information available on their website, if they have a website
- submitted by the candidates themselves
When we first add candidates to our website, people that haven't been up for election before will likely just have their name, basic contact info from the candidate list, and how they will appear on the ballot. The next phase of updates is getting extended contact information from the candidates' websites. Incumbents will have contact information from their office's website as well.
Biographical information is compiled from the following sources, sometimes over many years (which makes it difficult sometimes to pinpoint where a particular piece of information comes from):
- their campaign websites from any election we have covered now or previously
- their office websites
- their district websites
- information submitted by the candidate. While do send out forms along with the PCT, candidates can update their biographical information at any time
"Biographical information" is basically that candidate's resume, and includes such information as educational backgrounds, family information, professional backgrounds, organizational memberships,
political experience, and committee assignments. Our policy is generally to get as much information as possible about a candidate, but we don't always have the time to do it for all candidates, and not all candidates have websites. That being said, all candidates have the opportunity to submit biographical information to us.
==The Political Courage Test (questions can be directed to Matthew, Dan T., Kate, or Kristen)==
The Political Courage Test is an academic study that asks all candidates one central question: "Are you willing to tell citizens your positions on the issues you will most likely face on their behalf?" In order to pass this Test the candidate simply has to answer a few questions on the issues.
At a time when Americans are increasingly frustrated with the attack advertising and empty rhetoric of many campaigns, the need for this relevant information has never been greater. The public integrity of candidates and the quality of their campaigns can be viewed, in part, as a measurement of their willingness to provide their prospective employers (voters) with this information during a campaign, the point when voters need the most help and when the candidates are asking for their vote.
How is the Political Courage Test conducted?
All candidates for President, Congress, Governor, and state legislature are tested over the course of 4-6 weeks. During this time period the Project documents several contacts made by Project staff, members of the media and respected members of both major parties asking each candidate the Political Courage Test’s central question.
If at any point during this time period a candidate answers ‘yes,’ we ask that candidate to then demonstrate their willingness by providing their inclinations on some of the issues included within the Political Courage Test.
Candidates can skip up to 30% of the issue areas and may choose to answer each question in their own words.
The only way that a candidate can fail the Political Courage Test is to consistently say "no," no matter who asks the candidate, no matter when they are asked, or how they are asked.Project Vote Smart does not permit the use of its name or programs in any partisan activity, including advertising, debates, and speeches.
This year’s Political Courage Test is characterized by a number of changes from our previous tests that we believe will better serve candidates and voters. Many of these changes have been inspired by our new online Flash Application "Vote Smart," an engaging tool that allows visitors to our website to compare their positions to those of the candidates.
This year’s Political Courage Test is much shorter than last year’s test. It is our hope that this will make it more accessible to both the candidates and visitors to our website. Each year, we conduct exhaustive research on what issues are both consistently the top concerns of the American people and also likely to come up in the next legislative session. They are determined by thoroughly examining of national polls over the last three years, the majority, minority and third party platforms, State of the Union and Response speeches, State of the State and Response speeches, legislative agendas, and by consulting with prominent national political journalists, political scientists and the entire Project Vote Smart founding board to ensure that it is non-partisan and unbiased. Questions were generally removed for one of three reasons: we were unable to build a strong defense for the question, the question was repetitive, and/or the question did not reveal a key issue position.
Typically we refer to it as "The Political Courage Test," but in reality it is a collection of tests. There is the Congressional version which focuses on federal issues. Gubernatorial and State legislative candidates are given a test specific to their state, which includes issues that are coming up in legislatures across the country, as well as narrow issues that may only be faced by that state.
We have also changed the question formatting. Whereas previous tests required candidates to indicate only their support for an issue statement, we are now requiring candidates to indicate their support for or opposition to an issue question.
This year also marks the inception of what we refer to internally as the "Abridged Political Courage Test." For the first time, Project Vote Smart will be researching critical issue positions for congressional candidates who do not respond to the Political Courage Test. We ask 12 key issue questions, which reflect the issues that are both publicly salient and likely to be addressed in the upcoming legislative session. The objective of this program is to provide a "snapshot" of a candidate’s position on the most relevant issues even if the candidate is unwilling to provide that information.
That way, if the candidate does not respond to these questions on the PCT, voters will still be able to see how the candidate compares to the voter's positions as well as to other candidates.
PCT design, administration
involvement of advisors
calculations of Political Courage
periscopic/abridged pct
media- media partnerships

Revision [3940]

Edited on 2010-05-04 15:40:17 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
The Political Courage Test is an academic study that asks all candidates one central question: "Are you willing to tell citizens your positions on the issues you will most likely face on their behalf?" In order to pass this Test the candidate simply has to answer a few questions on the issues.
At a time when Americans are increasingly frustrated with the attack advertising and empty rhetoric of many campaigns, the need for this relevant information has never been greater. The public integrity of candidates and the quality of their campaigns can be viewed, in part, as a measurement of their willingness to provide their prospective employers (voters) with this information during a campaign, the point when voters need the most help and when the candidates are asking for their vote.
How is the Political Courage Test conducted?
All candidates for President, Congress, Governor, and state legislature are tested over the course of 4-6 weeks. During this time period the Project documents several contacts made by Project staff, members of the media and respected members of both major parties asking each candidate the Political Courage Test’s central question.
If at any point during this time period a candidate answers ‘yes,’ we ask that candidate to then demonstrate their willingness by providing their inclinations on some of the issues included within the Political Courage Test.
Candidates can skip up to 30% of the issue areas and may choose to answer each question in their own words.
The only way that a candidate can fail the Political Courage Test is to consistently say "no," no matter who asks the candidate, no matter when they are asked, or how they are asked.Project Vote Smart does not permit the use of its name or programs in any partisan activity, including advertising, debates, and speeches.
This year also marks the inception of what we refer to internally as the "Abridged Political Courage Test." For the first time, Project Vote Smart will be researching critical issue positions for congressional candidates who do not respond to the Political Courage Test. We ask 12 key issue questions, which reflect the issues that are both publicly salient and likely to be addressed in the upcoming legislative session. The objective of this program is to provide a "snapshot" of a candidate’s position on the most relevant issues even if the candidate is unwilling to provide that information.
Deletions:
This year also marks the inception of the Abridged Political Courage Test. For the first time, Project Vote Smart will be researching critical issue positions for congressional candidates who do not respond to the Political Courage Test. The questions highlighted in dark gray are the 12 key issue questions, which reflect the issues that are both publicly salient and likely to be addressed in the upcoming legislative session. The objective of this program is to provide a "snapshot" of a candidate’s position on the most relevant issues even if the candidate is unwilling to provide that information.

Revision [3939]

Edited on 2010-05-04 15:14:22 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
Typically we refer to it as "The Political Courage Test," but in reality it is a collection of tests. There is the Congressional version which focuses on federal issues. Gubernatorial and State legislative candidates are given a test specific to their state, which includes issues that are coming up in legislatures across the country, as well as narrow issues that may only be faced by that state.
Deletions:
Typically we refer to it as "The Political Courage Test," but in reality it is a collection of tests. There is the Congressional version which focuses on federal issues. Governors and State legislators are given a test specific to their state, which includes issues that are coming up in legislatures across the country, as well as narrow issues that may only be faced by that state.

Revision [3938]

Edited on 2010-05-04 15:13:33 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
This year’s Political Courage Test is characterized by a number of changes from our previous tests that we believe will better serve candidates and voters. Many of these changes have been inspired by our new online Flash Application "Vote Smart," an engaging tool that allows visitors to our website to compare their positions to those of the candidates.
This year’s Political Courage Test is much shorter than last year’s test. It is our hope that this will make it more accessible to both the candidates and visitors to our website. Each year, we conduct exhaustive research on what issues are both consistently the top concerns of the American people and also likely to come up in the next legislative session. They are determined by thoroughly examining of national polls over the last three years, the majority, minority and third party platforms, State of the Union and Response speeches, State of the State and Response speeches, legislative agendas, and by consulting with prominent national political journalists, political scientists and the entire Project Vote Smart founding board to ensure that it is non-partisan and unbiased. Questions were generally removed for one of three reasons: we were unable to build a strong defense for the question, the question was repetitive, and/or the question did not reveal a key issue position.
Typically we refer to it as "The Political Courage Test," but in reality it is a collection of tests. There is the Congressional version which focuses on federal issues. Governors and State legislators are given a test specific to their state, which includes issues that are coming up in legislatures across the country, as well as narrow issues that may only be faced by that state.
We have also changed the question formatting. Whereas previous tests required candidates to indicate only their support for an issue statement, we are now requiring candidates to indicate their support for or opposition to an issue question.
This year also marks the inception of the Abridged Political Courage Test. For the first time, Project Vote Smart will be researching critical issue positions for congressional candidates who do not respond to the Political Courage Test. The questions highlighted in dark gray are the 12 key issue questions, which reflect the issues that are both publicly salient and likely to be addressed in the upcoming legislative session. The objective of this program is to provide a "snapshot" of a candidate’s position on the most relevant issues even if the candidate is unwilling to provide that information.
That way, if the candidate does not respond to these questions on the PCT, voters will still be able to see how the candidate compares to the voter's positions as well as to other candidates.
calculations of Political Courage

Revision [3937]

Edited on 2010-05-04 14:17:05 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
==Quality Control (questions can be directed to Aaron or Kristen):==
==Contact Info and Bios (questions can be directed to Matthew or Kristen):==
==The Political Courage Test (questions can be directed to Matthew, Dan T., Kate, or Kristen)==
Deletions:
==Quality Control (questions can be directed to Aaron as well):==
==Contact Info and Bios (questions can be directed to Matthew as well):==
==The Political Courage Test==

Revision [3936]

Edited on 2010-05-04 14:14:54 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
political experience, and committee assignments. Our policy is generally to get as much information as possible about a candidate, but we don't always have the time to do it for all candidates, and not all candidates have websites. That being said, all candidates have the opportunity to submit biographical information to us.
Deletions:
political experience, and committee assignments. Our policy is generally to get as much information as possible about a candidate, but we don't always have the time to do it for all candidates, and not all candidates have websites.

Revision [3935]

Edited on 2010-05-04 14:14:01 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
"Biographical information" is basically that candidate's resume, and includes such information as educational backgrounds, family information, professional backgrounds, organizational memberships,
political experience, and committee assignments. Our policy is generally to get as much information as possible about a candidate, but we don't always have the time to do it for all candidates, and not all candidates have websites.
==The Political Courage Test==
Deletions:
It is

Revision [3934]

Edited on 2010-05-04 14:08:37 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
Biographical information is compiled from the following sources, sometimes over many years (which makes it difficult sometimes to pinpoint where a particular piece of information comes from):
- information submitted by the candidate. While do send out forms along with the PCT, candidates can update their biographical information at any time
Deletions:
Biographical information is compiled from the following sources, sometimes over many years:
- information submitted by the candidate

Revision [3933]

Edited on 2010-05-04 14:07:25 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
- their campaign websites from any election we have covered now or previously
- their office websites
- their district websites
- information submitted by the candidate
Deletions:
-their campaign websites from any election we have covered now or previously
-their office websites
-their district websites
-information submitted by the candidate

Revision [3931]

Edited on 2010-05-04 13:46:58 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
More information about our processes for maintaining our database of candidates, see: [[AddingCandidatestoElections here]]. This year we are primarily importing candidate lists directly from the sec state's office, allowing for greater accuracy and reducing our workload. However, this still takes some time, as we have to format the lists and match them to our candidate IDs.
The day after an election, we QC collects election results and inputs it into our database. Our website will essentially show a Winner's List.
Please consult Aaron or Kristen for issues regarding election structure, ballot access, determining winners of an election, majority/plurality rules, lieutenant governor elections, judicial elections, and unopposed candidates being on the ballot.
Biographical information is compiled from the following sources, sometimes over many years:
-their campaign websites from any election we have covered now or previously
-their office websites
-their district websites
-information submitted by the candidate
It is
Position Papers
Speeches from campaign website
candidate ratings and evaluations
endorsements
researched photos
Deletions:
Be aware that there are different qualifications for candidates getting on the ballot, depending on the state.
Judicial elections
gubernatorial
election results
runoffs
imports vs. manual
Biographical information is compiled from the following sources:
-their
Biographical information:
Speeches and Position Papers
Endorsements:
candidate evaluations

Revision [3930]

Edited on 2010-05-04 13:25:49 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
|=|Mailed Out Bio Forms||G||possibly G||G||possibly G||possibly G||G||
Deletions:
|=|Mailed Out Bio Forms||G|| ||G||possibly G||possibly G||G||

Revision [3929]

Edited on 2010-05-04 13:24:47 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
|=|Researched Photos||G||G (if time)||G (if time)||G (if time)|| || ||
|=|Campaign Finance Information (if available from CRP/IMSP)||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||
Deletions:
|=|Researched Photos||G||G(if time)||G(if time)||G(if time)|| || ||
- U.S. Congress (including Special Elections at any time of the year):
-pre-primary: campaign finance information (if available from CRP)
-post-primary/pre-general: photos, candidate evaluations (if available), campaign finance information (if available from CRP). featured on both our website and "Vote Smart," our new Flash application.
- Governor:
-pre-primary:
- Lieutenant Governor and Statewide Executive Branch Offices: all candidates on the ballot
- State Judicials: all candidates on the ballot
- State Legislature: all candidates on the ballot
-state leg premiere coverage

Revision [3928]

Edited on 2010-05-04 13:23:17 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
|=|Abridged PCT Research/"Vote Smart" Flash Application||G|| || || || || ||
|=|Researched Photos||G||G(if time)||G(if time)||G(if time)|| || ||
-pre-primary: campaign finance information (if available from CRP)
-post-primary/pre-general: photos, candidate evaluations (if available), campaign finance information (if available from CRP). featured on both our website and "Vote Smart," our new Flash application.
Deletions:
|=|Abridged PCT Research||G|| || || || || ||
-pre-primary: candidate evaluations (if available and if time), campaign finance information (if available from CRP)
-post-primary/pre-general: endorsements, photos, candidate evaluations (if available), campaign finance information (if available from CRP). We will be administering to them the Political Courage Test and will give them a biographical information form. This is the only office for which we are conducting abridged PCT research for, which will be featured on both our website and "Vote Smart," our new Flash application.

Revision [3927]

Edited on 2010-05-04 13:19:40 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
|=|Mailed Out Bio Forms||G|| ||G||possibly G||possibly G||G||
|=|Candidate Ratings and Evaluations (if available)||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||
|=|Endorsements||G||G||G||G||G||G||
-post-primary/pre-general: endorsements, photos, candidate evaluations (if available), campaign finance information (if available from CRP). We will be administering to them the Political Courage Test and will give them a biographical information form. This is the only office for which we are conducting abridged PCT research for, which will be featured on both our website and "Vote Smart," our new Flash application.
Deletions:
|=|Mail Out Bio Form||G|| ||G||possibly G||possibly G||G||
-post-primary/pre-general: speeches from campaign website, endorsements, photos, candidate evaluations (if available), campaign finance information (if available from CRP). We will be administering to them the Political Courage Test and will give them a biographical information form. This is the only office for which we are conducting abridged PCT research for, which will be featured on both our website and "Vote Smart," our new Flash application.

Revision [3926]

Edited on 2010-05-04 13:15:56 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
P= Primary Candidates(tasks done pre-primary), G=General Election Candidates (tasks done post-primary/pre-general)
|=|Election info and Contact info on Candidate List and Campaign Website||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||
|=|Administer PCT||G||possibly G||G|| || ||G (email and mail contacts only)||
|=|Speeches from Campaign Website||G||G||G|| || || ||
-pre-primary: candidate evaluations (if available and if time), campaign finance information (if available from CRP)
-post-primary/pre-general: speeches from campaign website, endorsements, photos, candidate evaluations (if available), campaign finance information (if available from CRP). We will be administering to them the Political Courage Test and will give them a biographical information form. This is the only office for which we are conducting abridged PCT research for, which will be featured on both our website and "Vote Smart," our new Flash application.
Deletions:
(P= Primary Candidates, G=General Election Candidates)
|=|Election info and contact info on candidate list and campaign website||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||
|=|Administer PCT||G||possibly G||G|| || ||G||
-pre-primary: position papers (if time), candidate evaluations (if available and if time), campaign finance information (if available from CRP)
-post-primary/pre-general: position papers, speeches from campaign website, endorsements, photos, candidate evaluations (if available), campaign finance information (if available from CRP). We will be administering to them the Political Courage Test and will give them a biographical information form. This is the only office for which we are conducting abridged PCT research for, which will be featured on both our website and "Vote Smart," our new Flash application.

Revision [3925]

Edited on 2010-05-04 13:11:37 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]

No Differences

Revision [3924]

Edited on 2010-05-04 13:11:27 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]

No Differences

Revision [3923]

Edited on 2010-05-04 13:11:04 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
|=|Abridged PCT Research||G|| || || || || ||
Deletions:
|=|Abridged PCT Research||G||

Revision [3922]

Edited on 2010-05-04 13:10:35 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
|=|Abridged PCT Research||G||

Revision [3921]

Edited on 2010-05-04 13:09:24 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
|=|Administer PCT||G||possibly G||G|| || ||G||
Deletions:
|=|Administer PCT||G||possibly G||G|| || || ||G||

Revision [3920]

Edited on 2010-05-04 13:08:35 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
(P= Primary Candidates, G=General Election Candidates)
|=|Researched Bios||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||G (if time)||
|=|Mail Out Bio Form||G|| ||G||possibly G||possibly G||G||
|=|Administer PCT||G||possibly G||G|| || || ||G||
|=|Position Papers||P/G||P/G||P/G||G (if time)||G (if time)||G (if time)||
-pre-primary: position papers (if time), candidate evaluations (if available and if time), campaign finance information (if available from CRP)
-post-primary/pre-general: position papers, speeches from campaign website, endorsements, photos, candidate evaluations (if available), campaign finance information (if available from CRP). We will be administering to them the Political Courage Test and will give them a biographical information form. This is the only office for which we are conducting abridged PCT research for, which will be featured on both our website and "Vote Smart," our new Flash application.
Deletions:
|=|Researched Bios||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||G||
-pre-primary: extended contact information, biographical information (if time), position papers (if time), candidate evaluations (if available and if time), campaign finance information (if available from CRP)
-post-primary/pre-general: extended contact information, biographical information, position papers, speeches from campaign website, endorsements, photos, candidate evaluations (if available), campaign finance information (if available from CRP). We will be administering to them the Political Courage Test and will give them a biographical information form. This is the only office for which we are conducting abridged PCT research for, which will be featured on both our website and "Vote Smart," our new Flash application.

Revision [3919]

Edited on 2010-05-04 12:32:25 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
|=|Election info and contact info on candidate list and campaign website||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||
|=|Researched Bios||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||G||
Deletions:
|=|Election info and contact info on candidate list||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||
|=|cell2||

Revision [3918]

Edited on 2010-05-04 12:29:55 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
|=|Election info and contact info on candidate list||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||P/G||
|=|cell2||
Deletions:
|=|Candidates on the Ballot||P/G||P/G||
||cell2||

Revision [3917]

Edited on 2010-05-04 12:28:13 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]

No Differences

Revision [3916]

Edited on 2010-05-04 12:28:01 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
|=||=|U.S. Congress|=|Federal/Gub Special Elections|=|Governor|=|Lieutenant Governor and Statewide Offices|=|State Judicial|=|State Legislature|=|
Deletions:
|=||=|U.S. Congress|=|Federal/Gub Special Elections|=|Governor|=|Lieutenant Governor and Statewide Offices|=}

Revision [3915]

Edited on 2010-05-04 12:27:17 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
While it would be nice to have comprehensive coverage for all candidates, our level of staffing forces us to prioritize certain offices over others. Federal offices will typically get the most coverage, as they are of national interest and represent large geographic areas and/or large populations. Next in line are statewide offices, followed by the state legislatures. We are one of the few websites that actually provides information on state legislative and statewide offices (new this year), so be sure to point citizens to this information, as they may not find it elsewhere. Unfortunately we just do not have the capacity to cover local elections (see the quality control section for how to find information about local elections). We do try to provide coverage for candidates before their primaries, but this more than doubles our pool of candidates, making it difficult to provide comprehensive coverage for everybody. As of 2010, these our plans for coverage of candidates, subject to change (note: incumbents will likely have additional information related to their current office):
|=||=|U.S. Congress|=|Federal/Gub Special Elections|=|Governor|=|Lieutenant Governor and Statewide Offices|=}
Deletions:
While it would be nice to have comprehensive coverage for all candidates, our level of staffing forces us to prioritize certain offices over others. Federal offices will typically get the most coverage, as they are of national interest and represent large geographic areas and/or large populations. Next in line are statewide offices, followed by the state legislatures. We are one of the few websites that actually provides information on state legislative and statewide offices, so be sure to point citizens to this information, as they may not find it elsewhere. Unfortunately we just do not have the capacity to cover local elections (see the quality control section for how to find information about local elections). We do try to provide coverage for candidates before their primaries, but this more than doubles our pool of candidates, making it difficult to provide comprehensive coverage for everybody. As of 2010, these our plans for coverage of candidates, subject to change (note: incumbents will likely have additional information related to their current office):
|=||=|U.S. Congress|=|Federal/Gub Special Elections|=|

Revision [3914]

Edited on 2010-05-04 12:26:03 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
|=|Candidates on the Ballot||P/G||P/G||
Deletions:
|=|Candidates on the Ballot|=|P/G||P/G||

Revision [3913]

Edited on 2010-05-04 12:25:48 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
|=||=|U.S. Congress|=|Federal/Gub Special Elections|=|
Deletions:
|=|Task|=|U.S. Congress|=|Federal/Gub Special Elections|=|

Revision [3912]

Edited on 2010-05-04 12:25:35 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
|=|Candidates on the Ballot|=|P/G||P/G||
Deletions:
||Candidates on the Ballot||P/G||P/G||

Revision [3911]

Edited on 2010-05-04 12:24:42 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
||Candidates on the Ballot||P/G||P/G||
||cell2||
Deletions:
||Candidates on the Ballot||P/G||P/G||cell2||

Revision [3910]

Edited on 2010-05-04 12:22:54 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
|=|Task|=|U.S. Congress|=|Federal/Gub Special Elections|=|
||Candidates on the Ballot||P/G||P/G||cell2||
Deletions:
|=|Task||=|U.S. Congress|=|Federal/Gub Special Elections|=|
||cell1||cell2||

Revision [3909]

Edited on 2010-05-04 12:21:26 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
|=|Task||=|U.S. Congress|=|Federal/Gub Special Elections|=|
Deletions:
|=|Task|=|U.S. Congress|=|Federal/Gub Special Elections|=|

Revision [3908]

Edited on 2010-05-04 12:21:00 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
While it would be nice to have comprehensive coverage for all candidates, our level of staffing forces us to prioritize certain offices over others. Federal offices will typically get the most coverage, as they are of national interest and represent large geographic areas and/or large populations. Next in line are statewide offices, followed by the state legislatures. We are one of the few websites that actually provides information on state legislative and statewide offices, so be sure to point citizens to this information, as they may not find it elsewhere. Unfortunately we just do not have the capacity to cover local elections (see the quality control section for how to find information about local elections). We do try to provide coverage for candidates before their primaries, but this more than doubles our pool of candidates, making it difficult to provide comprehensive coverage for everybody. As of 2010, these our plans for coverage of candidates, subject to change (note: incumbents will likely have additional information related to their current office):
|=|Task|=|U.S. Congress|=|Federal/Gub Special Elections|=|
||cell1||cell2||
- U.S. Congress (including Special Elections at any time of the year):
-post-primary/pre-general: extended contact information, biographical information, position papers, speeches from campaign website, endorsements, photos, candidate evaluations (if available), campaign finance information (if available from CRP). We will be administering to them the Political Courage Test and will give them a biographical information form. This is the only office for which we are conducting abridged PCT research for, which will be featured on both our website and "Vote Smart," our new Flash application.
Deletions:
While it would be nice to have comprehensive coverage for all candidates, our level of staffing forces us to prioritize certain offices over others. Federal offices will typically get the most coverage, as they are of national interest and represent large geographic areas and/or large populations. Next in line are statewide offices, followed by the state legislatures. We are one of the few websites that actually provides information on state legislative and statewide offices, so be sure to point citizens to this information, as they may not find it elsewhere. Unfortunately we just do not have the capacity to cover local elections (see the quality control section for how to find information about local elections). We do try to provide coverage for candidates before their primaries, but this more than doubles our pool of candidates, making it difficult to provide comprehensive coverage for everybody. As of 2010, these our plans for coverage (subject to change):
- U.S. Congress:
-post-primary/pre-general: extended contact information, biographical information, position papers, speeches from campaign website, endorsements, photos, candidate evaluations (if available), campaign finance information (if available from CRP). We will be administering to them the Political Courage Test and will give them a biographical information form. This is the only office for which we are conducting abridged PCT research for, which will be featured on both our website and "Vote Smart," our interactive research tool.

Revision [3907]

Edited on 2010-05-04 12:10:34 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
-post-primary/pre-general: extended contact information, biographical information, position papers, speeches from campaign website, endorsements, photos, candidate evaluations (if available), campaign finance information (if available from CRP). We will be administering to them the Political Courage Test and will give them a biographical information form. This is the only office for which we are conducting abridged PCT research for, which will be featured on both our website and "Vote Smart," our interactive research tool.
Deletions:
-post-primary: extended contact information, biographical information, position papers, speeches from campaign website, endorsements, photos, candidate evaluations (if available), campaign finance information (if available from CRP)

Revision [3906]

Edited on 2010-05-04 12:06:46 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
While it would be nice to have comprehensive coverage for all candidates, our level of staffing forces us to prioritize certain offices over others. Federal offices will typically get the most coverage, as they are of national interest and represent large geographic areas and/or large populations. Next in line are statewide offices, followed by the state legislatures. We are one of the few websites that actually provides information on state legislative and statewide offices, so be sure to point citizens to this information, as they may not find it elsewhere. Unfortunately we just do not have the capacity to cover local elections (see the quality control section for how to find information about local elections). We do try to provide coverage for candidates before their primaries, but this more than doubles our pool of candidates, making it difficult to provide comprehensive coverage for everybody. As of 2010, these our plans for coverage (subject to change):
-pre-primary:
Deletions:
While it would be nice to have comprehensive coverage for all candidates, our level of staffing forces us to prioritize certain offices over others. Federal offices will typically get the most coverage, as they are of national interest and represent large geographic areas and/or large populations. Next in line are statewide offices, followed by the state legislatures. Unfortunately we just do not have the capacity to cover local elections (see the quality control section for how to find information about local elections). We do try to provide coverage for candidates before their primaries, but this more than doubles our pool of candidates, making it difficult to provide comprehensive coverage for everybody. As of 2010, these our plans for coverage (subject to change):

Revision [3905]

Edited on 2010-05-04 12:02:15 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
-pre-primary: extended contact information, biographical information (if time), position papers (if time), candidate evaluations (if available and if time), campaign finance information (if available from CRP)
-post-primary: extended contact information, biographical information, position papers, speeches from campaign website, endorsements, photos, candidate evaluations (if available), campaign finance information (if available from CRP)
hotline
Deletions:
-pre-primary: extended contact information, biographical information (if time), position papers (if time), candidate evaluations (if available and if time)
-post-primary: extended contact information, biographical information, position papers, speeches from campaign website, endorsements
- Speeches for General Election candidates

Revision [3904]

Edited on 2010-05-04 11:56:12 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
We are one of the few election information sources that treats all candidates equally, covering all candidates on the ballot regardless of popularity, how well they're funded, who parties support, or who's supported by special interests. The idea here is to move the locus of control in elections to the voters themselves. It is Project Vote Smart's goal to provide as much relevant, unbiased information as possible for each candidate, leaving it entirely up to the voters to make judgments on the candidates.
While it would be nice to have comprehensive coverage for all candidates, our level of staffing forces us to prioritize certain offices over others. Federal offices will typically get the most coverage, as they are of national interest and represent large geographic areas and/or large populations. Next in line are statewide offices, followed by the state legislatures. Unfortunately we just do not have the capacity to cover local elections (see the quality control section for how to find information about local elections). We do try to provide coverage for candidates before their primaries, but this more than doubles our pool of candidates, making it difficult to provide comprehensive coverage for everybody. As of 2010, these our plans for coverage (subject to change):
- U.S. Congress:
-pre-primary: extended contact information, biographical information (if time), position papers (if time), candidate evaluations (if available and if time)
-post-primary: extended contact information, biographical information, position papers, speeches from campaign website, endorsements
- Speeches for General Election candidates
We get our candidate lists from the Secretary of State's office, and only include those candidates that have met the qualifications to be on the ballot. We list their party affiliation as it will appear on the ballot. If we are missing a whole state's candidates from our site, it is either because the Secretary of State's office hasn't released a list yet or has released it recently and we haven't gotten to it yet. Understand that we are attempting to take care of tens of thousands of candidates so will never be 100% up-to-date. That doesn't mean we can't tell citizens any information about their candidates though. First of all, they can research their incumbents on our site, who are likely to be up for election that year. You might need to look up what offices are up for election that year- this should be easy to find. To see who else might be up for election, you can direct them to the candidate list (if available) on the state elections' office website. Other sources can include: Politics1.com, thegreenpapers.com, google searches for the office and district in question, or their local newspaper (we have a directory of state media sources on our site that might help). If someone is looking for information on local candidates and local ballot measures, try directing them to their local election office (a directory of which is also on our site).
Deletions:
We are one of the few election information sources that treats all candidates equally, covering all candidates regardless of popularity, how well they're funded, who parties support, or who's supported by special interests. The idea here is to move the locus of control in elections to the voters themselves. It is Project Vote Smart's goal to provide as much relevant, unbiased information as possible for each candidate, leaving it entirely up to the voters to make judgments on the candidates.
While it would be nice to have comprehensive coverage for all candidates, our level of staffing forces us to prioritize certain offices over others. Federal offices will typically get the most coverage, as they are of national interest and represent large geographic areas and/or large populations. Next in line are statewide offices, followed by the state legislatures. Unfortunately we just do not have the capacity to cover local elections in any meaningful wayAs of 2010, these our plans for coverage (subject to change):
- U.S. Congress: all candidates on the ballot, extended contact information Speeches for General Election candidates
We get our candidate lists from the Secretary of State's office, and only include those candidates that have met the qualifications to be on the ballot. We list their party affiliation as it will appear on the ballot. If we are missing a whole state's candidates from our site, it is either because the Secretary of State's office hasn't released a list yet or has released it recently and we haven't gotten to it yet. Understand that we are attempting to take care of tens of thousands of candidates so will never be 100% up-to-date. That doesn't mean we can't tell citizens any information about their candidates though. First of all, they can research their incumbents on our site, who are likely to be up for election that year. You might need to look up what offices are up for election that year- this should be easy to find. To see who else might be up for election, you can direct them to the candidate list (if available) on the state elections' office website. Other sources can include: Politics1.com, thegreenpapers.com, google searches for the office and district in question, or their local newspaper (we have a directory of state media sources on our site that might help).

Revision [3903]

Edited on 2010-05-04 11:42:46 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
We are one of the few election information sources that treats all candidates equally, covering all candidates regardless of popularity, how well they're funded, who parties support, or who's supported by special interests. The idea here is to move the locus of control in elections to the voters themselves. It is Project Vote Smart's goal to provide as much relevant, unbiased information as possible for each candidate, leaving it entirely up to the voters to make judgments on the candidates.
While it would be nice to have comprehensive coverage for all candidates, our level of staffing forces us to prioritize certain offices over others. Federal offices will typically get the most coverage, as they are of national interest and represent large geographic areas and/or large populations. Next in line are statewide offices, followed by the state legislatures. Unfortunately we just do not have the capacity to cover local elections in any meaningful wayAs of 2010, these our plans for coverage (subject to change):
- U.S. Congress: all candidates on the ballot, extended contact information Speeches for General Election candidates
- Lieutenant Governor and Statewide Executive Branch Offices: all candidates on the ballot
- State Judicials: all candidates on the ballot
- State Legislature: all candidates on the ballot
Other election-related coverage
what we have does not represent the ballot they will receive- other offices up for election, other ballot measures
ballot measures
Deletions:
We are one of the few election information sources that treats all candidates equally, covering all candidates regardless of popularity, how well they're funded, who parties support, or who's supported by special interests. The idea here is to move the locus of control in elections to the voters themselves. It is Project Vote Smart's role to provide the information
, leaving it up to the voter
leave it entirely up to voters to make judgments on candidates
While it would be nice to have comprehensive coverage for all candidates, our level of staffing forces us to prioritize certain offices over others. Federal offices will typically get the most coverage, as they are of national interest and represent large populations or geographic areas. Generally As of 2010, these our plans for coverage (subject to change):
- U.S. Congress: all candidates on the ballot, Speeches for General Election candidates
- Lieutenant Governor and Statewide Executive Branch Offices:
- State Judicials:
- State Legislature

Revision [3902]

Edited on 2010-05-04 11:32:09 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
We are one of the few election information sources that treats all candidates equally, covering all candidates regardless of popularity, how well they're funded, who parties support, or who's supported by special interests. The idea here is to move the locus of control in elections to the voters themselves. It is Project Vote Smart's role to provide the information
- Governor:
- Lieutenant Governor and Statewide Executive Branch Offices:
- State Judicials:
- State Legislature
Deletions:
What we cover for each candidate varies by the office that person is running for. We are one of the few election information sources that treats all candidates equally, covering all candidates regardless of popularity, how well they're funded, who parties support, or who's supported by special interests. The idea here is to move the locus of control in elections to the voters themselves- we simply

Revision [3901]

Edited on 2010-05-04 11:28:44 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
What we cover for each candidate varies by the office that person is running for. We are one of the few election information sources that treats all candidates equally, covering all candidates regardless of popularity, how well they're funded, who parties support, or who's supported by special interests. The idea here is to move the locus of control in elections to the voters themselves- we simply
, leaving it up to the voter
imports vs. manual
Deletions:
What we cover for each candidate varies by the office that person is running for. We are one of the few election information sources that treats all candidates equally, covering all candidates regardless of popularity, how well they're funded, who parties support, or who's supported by special interests. The idea here is to move the locus of control in elections to the voters themselves, leaving it up to the voter

Revision [3900]

Edited on 2010-05-04 11:27:04 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
election results
runoffs

Revision [3899]

Edited on 2010-05-04 11:22:55 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
====Overview of Candidate Coverage====
What we cover for each candidate varies by the office that person is running for. We are one of the few election information sources that treats all candidates equally, covering all candidates regardless of popularity, how well they're funded, who parties support, or who's supported by special interests. The idea here is to move the locus of control in elections to the voters themselves, leaving it up to the voter
leave it entirely up to voters to make judgments on candidates
While it would be nice to have comprehensive coverage for all candidates, our level of staffing forces us to prioritize certain offices over others. Federal offices will typically get the most coverage, as they are of national interest and represent large populations or geographic areas. Generally As of 2010, these our plans for coverage (subject to change):
- U.S. Congress: all candidates on the ballot, Speeches for General Election candidates
-state leg premiere coverage
===PCT Department===
involvement of advisors
vsdm
media- media partnerships
candidates we don't cover- local, judicial, cities, states
Deletions:
===Overview of PCT Processes===
==Coverage of candidates:==
What we cover for each candidate varies by the office that person is running for. In 2010, these our plans for coverage (subject to change)

Revision [3898]

Edited on 2010-05-04 10:58:19 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
What we cover for each candidate varies by the office that person is running for. In 2010, these our plans for coverage (subject to change)
PCT design, administration
periscopic/abridged pct
Research Department coverage
Speeches and Position Papers
candidate evaluations
Campaign Finance
voter registration
election resources
local election offices
Deletions:
What we cover for each candidate varies by the office that person is running for.

Revision [3897]

Edited on 2010-05-04 10:55:10 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
Additions:
==Coverage of candidates:==
What we cover for each candidate varies by the office that person is running for.
If someone claims we are missing a certain candidate from our site, it can be due to one of several things. We will need to investigate the situation further, but do not assume that we have it wrong.:
Be aware that there are different qualifications for candidates getting on the ballot, depending on the state.
Judicial elections
gubernatorial
Endorsements:
Deletions:
If someone claims we are missing a certain candidate from our site, it can be due to one of several things. We will need to investigate the situation further, but do not assume:
Be aware that

Revision [3896]

The oldest known version of this page was created on 2010-05-04 10:52:30 by KristenVicedomini [grammar + formatting]
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