Revision history for TrackingPress
Additions:
Most selections are recent votes that a staff member or intern was tipped off to by media coverage of the legislation. The following tools can be utilized to identify potential selections:
- Google News Search
Remember that media attention isn't the sole method for locating potential selections. As mentioned in the selection criteria, a vote could be requested via the Hotline, and Key Vote advisers will sometimes recommend a selection following emails.
There is a [[TrackingGuide Tracking links resource page]] for each state that contains a number of links to media websites for that state. The volume of links for a given state and the value of each link varies. The value of a specific website will sometimes be noted next to the link. For example, if a staff member finds a specific source to be particularly valuable, they may include a note such as "(good)" or "(great)" alongside the link. For example, this is the list of links in the wiki for the state of Arizona in 2010:
Staff members or interns who do a lot of tracking should consider updating these pages when they have downtime. The value of sources may change over time, or new sources may become available.
News outlets generally have a specific page for legislative or political reporting, or at the very least a page for statewide news. This is the best place to locate articles on legislation and votes. Links in the wiki should direct you to the correct page, but often will only lead you to the homepage. The homepage is unlikely to lead you to information on legislation unless a particular bill is getting a great deal of attention. If led to the homepage you will need to poke around the site to find the appropriate page. For example, The Town Talk (a major newspaper for Central Louisiana) has a page specifically for the legislature within the news section of the website, as seen below:
If a state has several links listed in the wiki, it is not absolutely essential that you check each link when tracking the state. Use your discretion to determine how many links should be checked. For example, it is unnecessary to check all dozen links for California every week. North Dakota, on the other hand, has only 4 links, so it may be necessary to check each source to find legislation.
Google searches are good places to start when looking for lists to subscribe to. For example, **[[https://www.google.com/search?q=california+legislators+twitter+list&oq=california+twitter+list&aqs=chrome.2.69i57j69i60j0.9090j0j4&sourceid=chrome&espv=210&es_sm=93&ie=UTF-8 this Google search]]** returns a URL that goes to **[[https://twitter.com/capitolalert/california-legislators this Twitter list]]**.
The one disadvantage of lists created by others is that there simply may be too much information coming in to keep track of in a timely manner. Staff should consider curating their own lists in this case or if no existing lists can be found through a Google search.
Finally, a quick method for monitoring legislative activity is a simple Google search. Google has a news feature that locates recent articles related to the content of your search. To track using Google, simply search for terms that would be present in an article dealing with a vote or legislation moving through the legislature. Generally, you will have to include the name of the state and word "legislature" or the name of one of the chambers (House, Assembly, or Senate). You can be creative in how to search for legislative activity via Google, but it's usually most effective to keep it simple. For example, the following search result appeared after entering the words "Michigan" and "Legislature" into the text-box on a day nearing the end of the legislative session:
Notice in the image that there is a link to the article and a separate link to additional articles on the Michigan legislature. Typically, the headlines will tip you off to a vote or legislation that might be worth keeping an eye on.
- Google News Search
Remember that media attention isn't the sole method for locating potential selections. As mentioned in the selection criteria, a vote could be requested via the Hotline, and Key Vote advisers will sometimes recommend a selection following emails.
There is a [[TrackingGuide Tracking links resource page]] for each state that contains a number of links to media websites for that state. The volume of links for a given state and the value of each link varies. The value of a specific website will sometimes be noted next to the link. For example, if a staff member finds a specific source to be particularly valuable, they may include a note such as "(good)" or "(great)" alongside the link. For example, this is the list of links in the wiki for the state of Arizona in 2010:
Staff members or interns who do a lot of tracking should consider updating these pages when they have downtime. The value of sources may change over time, or new sources may become available.
News outlets generally have a specific page for legislative or political reporting, or at the very least a page for statewide news. This is the best place to locate articles on legislation and votes. Links in the wiki should direct you to the correct page, but often will only lead you to the homepage. The homepage is unlikely to lead you to information on legislation unless a particular bill is getting a great deal of attention. If led to the homepage you will need to poke around the site to find the appropriate page. For example, The Town Talk (a major newspaper for Central Louisiana) has a page specifically for the legislature within the news section of the website, as seen below:
If a state has several links listed in the wiki, it is not absolutely essential that you check each link when tracking the state. Use your discretion to determine how many links should be checked. For example, it is unnecessary to check all dozen links for California every week. North Dakota, on the other hand, has only 4 links, so it may be necessary to check each source to find legislation.
Google searches are good places to start when looking for lists to subscribe to. For example, **[[https://www.google.com/search?q=california+legislators+twitter+list&oq=california+twitter+list&aqs=chrome.2.69i57j69i60j0.9090j0j4&sourceid=chrome&espv=210&es_sm=93&ie=UTF-8 this Google search]]** returns a URL that goes to **[[https://twitter.com/capitolalert/california-legislators this Twitter list]]**.
The one disadvantage of lists created by others is that there simply may be too much information coming in to keep track of in a timely manner. Staff should consider curating their own lists in this case or if no existing lists can be found through a Google search.
Finally, a quick method for monitoring legislative activity is a simple Google search. Google has a news feature that locates recent articles related to the content of your search. To track using Google, simply search for terms that would be present in an article dealing with a vote or legislation moving through the legislature. Generally, you will have to include the name of the state and word "legislature" or the name of one of the chambers (House, Assembly, or Senate). You can be creative in how to search for legislative activity via Google, but it's usually most effective to keep it simple. For example, the following search result appeared after entering the words "Michigan" and "Legislature" into the text-box on a day nearing the end of the legislative session:
Notice in the image that there is a link to the article and a separate link to additional articles on the Michigan legislature. Typically, the headlines will tip you off to a vote or legislation that might be worth keeping an eye on.
Deletions:
- Stateline (limited usefulness)
- Google Advanced Search
Before a more detailed description of each tool is provided, remember that media attention isn't the be all end all method for locating potential selections of recent votes. As mentioned in the selection criteria, a vote could be requested via the Hotline, and Key Vote advisors will sometimes recommend a selection following your biweekly emails sent out to them. Additionally, another staff member or intern will be tipped off to a vote, who then will notify the appropriate tracker.
__Stateline__ **NOTE: Stateline has GREATLY reduced their coverage during the past 2 years, and should no longer be considered a main press tracking resource** - Consider using **[[http://www.therepublic.com/ The Republic]]** as a substitute source to quickly review news from a particular state. Select "news" and then select the state of your choice.
In the resources page on the wiki, there is a [[TrackingGuide Tracking links resource]] for each state that will contain any number of links to media websites for the respective state. The volume of links for a given state and the value of each link varies greatly. However, the value of a specific website will sometimes be noted in the link within the wiki. For example, if a staff member finds a specific source to be particularly valuable, he or she may include "(good)" or "(great)", or some variation thereof, listed alongside the link. You should always check these sources before the others. For example, this is the list of links in the wiki for the state of Arizona in 2010:
Additionally, if a staff member or intern encounters some downtime, it never hurts to update this page in the wiki. Look for additional sources to input into the wiki, especially for states in which only a few links are provided.
When you open a link to a website, remember that news outlets generally have a specific page for legislative and/or political affairs, or at the very least, a page for statewide news. That is where you can locate articles on legislation and votes. Links in the wiki should direct you to the correct page, but often it will only lead you to the homepage (this is another way of updating the wiki during downtime). The homepage won't always lead you to information on legislation and votes, unless it's getting a great deal of attention. If you're at the homepage, navigate the site to find the appropriate page. For example, The Town Talk (a major newspaper for Central Louisiana) has a page specifically for the legislature within the news section of the website, as seen below:
If a state has several links listed in the wiki, it is not absolutely essential that you check each link when tracking the state. However, when a state is in session, tracking shouldn't be limited solely to Stateline. Some of the links, especially the ones in which the value is articulated in the text of the link, should be checked as a backup.
Google searches are good places to start when attempting to subscribe to the lists of others. For example, **[[https://www.google.com/search?q=california+legislators+twitter+list&oq=california+twitter+list&aqs=chrome.2.69i57j69i60j0.9090j0j4&sourceid=chrome&espv=210&es_sm=93&ie=UTF-8 this Google search]]** returns a URL that goes to **[[https://twitter.com/capitolalert/california-legislators this Twitter list]]**.
The one disadvantage of the lists of others is that there simply may be too much information coming in to keep track of with an appropriate use of time. Staff should consider curating their own lists if this is the case, or if no existing lists can be found through search engines.
Finally, a quick method for monitoring legislative activity is a simple Google search (other search engines would likely suffice). Google now has a news feature that locates recent articles related to the content of your search. To track using Google, simply search for terms that would be present in an article dealing with a vote or legislation moving through the legislature. Generally, you will have to include the name of the state and word "legislature" or the title of one of the chambers (House, Assembly, or Senate). You can be creative in how to search for legislative activity via Google, but it's usually most effective to keep it simple. For example, the following search result appeared after entering the words "Michigan" and "Legislature" into the text-box on a day nearing the end of the legislative session:
Notice in the image that there is a link to the article and a separate link to additional articles on the Michigan legislature. Typically, the headlines will tip you off to a vote or legislation that might be worth keeping an eye on.
Additions:
@@{{image url=<a href="https://imgur.com/qZhcp5b"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/qZhcp5b.png" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>}}@@
@@{{image url=<a href="https://imgur.com/ozrpdYB"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/ozrpdYB.png" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>}}@@
@@{{image url=<a href="https://imgur.com/IWHX9vw"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/IWHX9vw.png" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>}}@@
@@{{image url=<a href="https://imgur.com/ozrpdYB"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/ozrpdYB.png" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>}}@@
@@{{image url=<a href="https://imgur.com/IWHX9vw"><img src="https://i.imgur.com/IWHX9vw.png" title="source: imgur.com" /></a>}}@@
Deletions:
@@{{image url="http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/yy307/Project_Vote_Smart/PressLinks2.png" title="Press Links 2" alt="Press Links 2"}}@@
@@{{image url="http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/yy307/Project_Vote_Smart/PressLinks3.png" title="Press Links 3" alt="Press Links 3"}}@@
Additions:
- The Republic (compiles AP articles by state, significantly useful)
- Google Advanced Search
- Google Advanced Search
Deletions:
- Google Search
**[[http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline Stateline]]** is a website that has become a priceless tool for tracking duties. The website is essentially a tracking service for state legislatures. Using the drop-down menu, you can select the state you've been assigned.
Once you have selected the appropriate state, the website will retrieve articles from major press outlets in the state. Generally, the title of the article will articulate that a vote has taken place. However, there could be press on legislation that hasn't yet been voted on. You will encounter articles on legislation that has been introduced, is being considered by a legislative committee, or has been signed or vetoed by the governor. Although this doesn't necessarily signal a vote that can be brought up for selection, you should still inquire further to determine if a past or future vote is worth taking.
Stateline is a website that you should visit at least once a day, and remember to check each state that you've been assigned. This is not limited to the states that are currently in session; check those that are out of session too. Stateline can also be helpful in alerting you to when a special session has or will be called. The site will allow you to look at press from previous days as well, should you forget to check Stateline or are unable to do so for any given reason and need to catch up on things you may have missed.
Also, Stateline allows you to subscribe to a specific state's "news roundup" using Google Reader, My Yahoo, Bloglines, and other online subscription services. This essentially allows you to streamline the process and have easy access to all your states at once. To find subscription options, click on the "RSS Feeds" tab at the top of the page. This page has a variety of options, as well as instructions, for customizing the available state information.
Stateline only draws from very influential media outlets within the state, and even then, major legislation will sometimes be omitted from the results. Therefore, it's important to also check the press links in the wiki for any legislation that could potentially be brought up for selection.
No Differences
Additions:
**[[http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline Stateline]]** is a website that has become a priceless tool for tracking duties. The website is essentially a tracking service for state legislatures. Using the drop-down menu, you can select the state you've been assigned.
Deletions:
Additions:
- The Republic (compiles AP articles by state)
__Stateline__ **NOTE: Stateline has GREATLY reduced their coverage during the past 2 years, and should no longer be considered a main press tracking resource** - Consider using **[[http://www.therepublic.com/ The Republic]]** as a substitute source to quickly review news from a particular state. Select "news" and then select the state of your choice.
Once you have selected the appropriate state, the website will retrieve articles from major press outlets in the state. Generally, the title of the article will articulate that a vote has taken place. However, there could be press on legislation that hasn't yet been voted on. You will encounter articles on legislation that has been introduced, is being considered by a legislative committee, or has been signed or vetoed by the governor. Although this doesn't necessarily signal a vote that can be brought up for selection, you should still inquire further to determine if a past or future vote is worth taking.
__Stateline__ **NOTE: Stateline has GREATLY reduced their coverage during the past 2 years, and should no longer be considered a main press tracking resource** - Consider using **[[http://www.therepublic.com/ The Republic]]** as a substitute source to quickly review news from a particular state. Select "news" and then select the state of your choice.
Once you have selected the appropriate state, the website will retrieve articles from major press outlets in the state. Generally, the title of the article will articulate that a vote has taken place. However, there could be press on legislation that hasn't yet been voted on. You will encounter articles on legislation that has been introduced, is being considered by a legislative committee, or has been signed or vetoed by the governor. Although this doesn't necessarily signal a vote that can be brought up for selection, you should still inquire further to determine if a past or future vote is worth taking.
Deletions:
Once you have selected the appropriate state, the website will retrieve articles from major press outlets in the state. Generally, the title of the article will articulate that a vote has taken place. However, there could be press on legislation that hasn't yet been voted on. You will encounter articles on legislation that has been introduced, is being considered by a legislative committee, or has been signed or vetoed by the Governor. Although this doesn't necessarily signal a vote that can be brought up for selection, you should still inquire further to determine if a past or future vote is worth taking.
Additions:
- Stateline (limited usefulness)
- Press Links in the Wiki
- Google Search
- Press Links in the Wiki
- Google Search
Deletions:
- Press Links in the Wiki.
- Google Search.
Additions:
__Stateline__ **NOTE: Stateline has GREATLY reduced their coverage during the past 2 years, and should no longer be considered a main press tracking resource** - Consider using [[http://www.therepublic.com/ The Republic]] as a substitute source to quickly review news from a particular state. Select "news" and then select the state of your choice.
Deletions:
Additions:
__Stateline__ **NOTE: Stateline has GREATLY reduced their coverage during the past 2 years, and should no longer be considered a main press tracking resource** - Consider using [[http://www.therepublic.com/ The Republic]] as a substitute source to quickly review news from a particular state
Deletions:
Additions:
Google searches are good places to start when attempting to subscribe to the lists of others. For example, **[[https://www.google.com/search?q=california+legislators+twitter+list&oq=california+twitter+list&aqs=chrome.2.69i57j69i60j0.9090j0j4&sourceid=chrome&espv=210&es_sm=93&ie=UTF-8 this Google search]]** returns a URL that goes to **[[https://twitter.com/capitolalert/california-legislators this Twitter list]]**.
Deletions:
Additions:
======Tracking Legislatures======----
====Tracking the Press/Media====
**[[http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline Stateline]]** is a website that has become a priceless tool for tracking duties. The website essentially is a tracking service for state legislatures. Using the drop-down menu, you can select the state you've been assigned.
Google searches are good places to start when attempting to subscribe to the lists of others. For example, [[https://www.google.com/search?q=california+legislators+twitter+list&oq=california+twitter+list&aqs=chrome.2.69i57j69i60j0.9090j0j4&sourceid=chrome&espv=210&es_sm=93&ie=UTF-8 this Google search]] returns a URL that goes to **[[https://twitter.com/capitolalert/california-legislators this Twitter list]]**.
Notice in the image that there is a link to the article and a separate link to additional articles on the Michigan legislature. Typically, the headlines will tip you off to a vote or legislation that might be worth keeping an eye on.
----
[[CategoryKeyVotes Key Votes Homepage]] | [[UTInternTraining Training Guide]] | [[SummaryWritingGuide Summary Writing Guide]] | [[VoteEnteringGuide Vote Entering Guide]] | [[CongressGuide Congress Guide]] | [[StatusUpdateGuide Status Update Guide]] | [[WebCheckGuide Web Check Guide]]
====Tracking the Press/Media====
**[[http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline Stateline]]** is a website that has become a priceless tool for tracking duties. The website essentially is a tracking service for state legislatures. Using the drop-down menu, you can select the state you've been assigned.
Google searches are good places to start when attempting to subscribe to the lists of others. For example, [[https://www.google.com/search?q=california+legislators+twitter+list&oq=california+twitter+list&aqs=chrome.2.69i57j69i60j0.9090j0j4&sourceid=chrome&espv=210&es_sm=93&ie=UTF-8 this Google search]] returns a URL that goes to **[[https://twitter.com/capitolalert/california-legislators this Twitter list]]**.
Notice in the image that there is a link to the article and a separate link to additional articles on the Michigan legislature. Typically, the headlines will tip you off to a vote or legislation that might be worth keeping an eye on.
----
[[CategoryKeyVotes Key Votes Homepage]] | [[UTInternTraining Training Guide]] | [[SummaryWritingGuide Summary Writing Guide]] | [[VoteEnteringGuide Vote Entering Guide]] | [[CongressGuide Congress Guide]] | [[StatusUpdateGuide Status Update Guide]] | [[WebCheckGuide Web Check Guide]]
Deletions:
[[http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline Stateline]] is a website that has become a priceless tool for tracking duties. The website essentially is a tracking service for state legislatures. Using the drop-down menu, you can select the state you've been assigned.
Google searches are good places to start when attempting to subscribe to the lists of others. For example, [[https://www.google.com/search?q=california+legislators+twitter+list&oq=california+twitter+list&aqs=chrome.2.69i57j69i60j0.9090j0j4&sourceid=chrome&espv=210&es_sm=93&ie=UTF-8 this Google search]] returns a URL that goes to [[https://twitter.com/capitolalert/california-legislators this Twitter list]].
Notice in the image that there is a link to the article and a separate link to additional articles on the Michigan legislature. Typically, the headlines will tip you off to a vote or legislation that might be worth keeping an eye on.
Revision [10642]
Edited on 2014-02-19 09:50:36 by DarrenMcDivitt [added Twitter usage and lists description]Additions:
- Twitter
__Twitter__
Twitter is an increasingly useful resource to stay up to date with both the official feeds of state legislatures as well as journalists that cover them. Staff may consider creating a 'work' Twitter account to manage the process.
Utilizing the lists feature is the recommended way of approaching tracking through Twitter. A list is a curated group of Twitter users. Staff can create lists or subscribe to lists created by others. Viewing a list timeline will show you a stream of Tweets from only the users on that list, as opposed to Twitter's normal feed which shows tweets of everyone that you follow. Instructions on how to create new lists or subscribe to others can be found at the [[http://support.twitter.com/articles/76460-using-twitter-lists using Twitter lists]] webpage.
Google searches are good places to start when attempting to subscribe to the lists of others. For example, [[https://www.google.com/search?q=california+legislators+twitter+list&oq=california+twitter+list&aqs=chrome.2.69i57j69i60j0.9090j0j4&sourceid=chrome&espv=210&es_sm=93&ie=UTF-8 this Google search]] returns a URL that goes to [[https://twitter.com/capitolalert/california-legislators this Twitter list]].
The one disadvantage of the lists of others is that there simply may be too much information coming in to keep track of with an appropriate use of time. Staff should consider curating their own lists if this is the case, or if no existing lists can be found through search engines.
__Twitter__
Twitter is an increasingly useful resource to stay up to date with both the official feeds of state legislatures as well as journalists that cover them. Staff may consider creating a 'work' Twitter account to manage the process.
Utilizing the lists feature is the recommended way of approaching tracking through Twitter. A list is a curated group of Twitter users. Staff can create lists or subscribe to lists created by others. Viewing a list timeline will show you a stream of Tweets from only the users on that list, as opposed to Twitter's normal feed which shows tweets of everyone that you follow. Instructions on how to create new lists or subscribe to others can be found at the [[http://support.twitter.com/articles/76460-using-twitter-lists using Twitter lists]] webpage.
Google searches are good places to start when attempting to subscribe to the lists of others. For example, [[https://www.google.com/search?q=california+legislators+twitter+list&oq=california+twitter+list&aqs=chrome.2.69i57j69i60j0.9090j0j4&sourceid=chrome&espv=210&es_sm=93&ie=UTF-8 this Google search]] returns a URL that goes to [[https://twitter.com/capitolalert/california-legislators this Twitter list]].
The one disadvantage of the lists of others is that there simply may be too much information coming in to keep track of with an appropriate use of time. Staff should consider curating their own lists if this is the case, or if no existing lists can be found through search engines.
Revision [10458]
Edited on 2013-12-13 08:10:07 by DarrenMcDivitt [added Twitter usage and lists description]Additions:
In the resources page on the wiki, there is a [[TrackingGuide Tracking links resource]] for each state that will contain any number of links to media websites for the respective state. The volume of links for a given state and the value of each link varies greatly. However, the value of a specific website will sometimes be noted in the link within the wiki. For example, if a staff member finds a specific source to be particularly valuable, he or she may include "(good)" or "(great)", or some variation thereof, listed alongside the link. You should always check these sources before the others. For example, this is the list of links in the wiki for the state of Arizona in 2010:
Deletions:
Revision [6037]
Edited on 2012-04-25 08:18:20 by DanTessler [added Twitter usage and lists description]Additions:
[[http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline Stateline]] is a website that has become a priceless tool for tracking duties. The website essentially is a tracking service for state legislatures. Using the drop-down menu, you can select the state you've been assigned.
Stateline is a website that you should visit at least once a day, and remember to check each state that you've been assigned. This is not limited to the states that are currently in session; check those that are out of session too. Stateline can also be helpful in alerting you to when a special session has or will be called. The site will allow you to look at press from previous days as well, should you forget to check Stateline or are unable to do so for any given reason and need to catch up on things you may have missed.
Also, Stateline allows you to subscribe to a specific state's "news roundup" using Google Reader, My Yahoo, Bloglines, and other online subscription services. This essentially allows you to streamline the process and have easy access to all your states at once. To find subscription options, click on the "RSS Feeds" tab at the top of the page. This page has a variety of options, as well as instructions, for customizing the available state information.
Stateline is a website that you should visit at least once a day, and remember to check each state that you've been assigned. This is not limited to the states that are currently in session; check those that are out of session too. Stateline can also be helpful in alerting you to when a special session has or will be called. The site will allow you to look at press from previous days as well, should you forget to check Stateline or are unable to do so for any given reason and need to catch up on things you may have missed.
Also, Stateline allows you to subscribe to a specific state's "news roundup" using Google Reader, My Yahoo, Bloglines, and other online subscription services. This essentially allows you to streamline the process and have easy access to all your states at once. To find subscription options, click on the "RSS Feeds" tab at the top of the page. This page has a variety of options, as well as instructions, for customizing the available state information.
Deletions:
@@{{image url="http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/yy307/Project_Vote_Smart/Stateline1-1.png" title="Stateline 1" alt="Stateline 1"}}@@
Stateline is a website that you should visit at least once a day, and remember to check each state that you've been assigned. This is not limited to the states that are currently in session; check those that are out of session too. Stateline can be helpful in alerting you to when a special session has or will be called. Should you forget to check Stateline or are unable to do so for any given reason, you can check the archive section to catch up on anything you may have missed as follows:
@@{{image url="http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/yy307/Project_Vote_Smart/Stateline2-1.png" title="Stateline 2" alt="Stateline 2"}}{{image url="http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/yy307/Project_Vote_Smart/Stateline2.png" title="Stateline 3" alt="Stateline 3"}}{{image url="http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/yy307/Project_Vote_Smart/Stateline3-1-1-1.png" title="Stateline 4" alt="Stateline 4"}}@@
Also, Stateline allows you to subscribe to a specific state's "news roundup" using Google Reader, My Yahoo, Bloglines, and other online subscription services. This essentially allows you to streamline the process and have easy access to all your states at once. There is a link at the top of the state's page as follows:
@@{{image url="http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/yy307/Project_Vote_Smart/Stateline3-1-1.png" title="Stateline 3" alt="Stateline 3"}}@@
Revision [4380]
Edited on 2010-11-04 11:34:57 by ThomasStepleton [added Twitter usage and lists description]Additions:
Most selections that are made are recent votes that a staff member or intern was tipped off to by media coverage of the legislation. The following tools can be utilized to identify potential selections:
Before a more detailed description of each tool is provided, remember that media attention isn't the be all end all method for locating potential selections of recent votes. As mentioned in the selection criteria, a vote could be requested via the Hotline, and Key Vote advisors will sometimes recommend a selection following your biweekly emails sent out to them. Additionally, another staff member or intern will be tipped off to a vote, who then will notify the appropriate tracker.
[[http://www.stateline.org Stateline]] is a website that has become a priceless tool for tracking duties. The website essentially is a tracking service for state legislatures. Using the drop-down menu, you can select the state you've been assigned. Using the drop-down menu on the homepage, as seen below, you can select the state you've been assigned.
Stateline only draws from very influential media outlets within the state, and even then, major legislation will sometimes be omitted from the results. Therefore, it's important to also check the press links in the wiki for any legislation that could potentially be brought up for selection.
In the resources page on the wiki, there is a link for each state that will contain any number of links to media websites for the respective state. The volume of links for a given state and the value of each link varies greatly. However, the value of a specific website will sometimes be noted in the link within the wiki. For example, if a staff member finds a specific source to be particularly valuable, he or she may include "(good)" or "(great)", or some variation thereof, listed alongside the link. You should always check these sources before the others. For example, this is the list of links in the wiki for the state of Arizona in 2010:
Additionally, if a staff member or intern encounters some downtime, it never hurts to update this page in the wiki. Look for additional sources to input into the wiki, especially for states in which only a few links are provided.
When you open a link to a website, remember that news outlets generally have a specific page for legislative and/or political affairs, or at the very least, a page for statewide news. That is where you can locate articles on legislation and votes. Links in the wiki should direct you to the correct page, but often it will only lead you to the homepage (this is another way of updating the wiki during downtime). The homepage won't always lead you to information on legislation and votes, unless it's getting a great deal of attention. If you're at the homepage, navigate the site to find the appropriate page. For example, The Town Talk (a major newspaper for Central Louisiana) has a page specifically for the legislature within the news section of the website, as seen below:
If a state has several links listed in the wiki, it is not absolutely essential that you check each link when tracking the state. However, when a state is in session, tracking shouldn't be limited solely to Stateline. Some of the links, especially the ones in which the value is articulated in the text of the link, should be checked as a backup.
Finally, a quick method for monitoring legislative activity is a simple Google search (other search engines would likely suffice). Google now has a news feature that locates recent articles related to the content of your search. To track using Google, simply search for terms that would be present in an article dealing with a vote or legislation moving through the legislature. Generally, you will have to include the name of the state and word "legislature" or the title of one of the chambers (House, Assembly, or Senate). You can be creative in how to search for legislative activity via Google, but it's usually most effective to keep it simple. For example, the following search result appeared after entering the words "Michigan" and "Legislature" into the text-box on a day nearing the end of the legislative session:
Before a more detailed description of each tool is provided, remember that media attention isn't the be all end all method for locating potential selections of recent votes. As mentioned in the selection criteria, a vote could be requested via the Hotline, and Key Vote advisors will sometimes recommend a selection following your biweekly emails sent out to them. Additionally, another staff member or intern will be tipped off to a vote, who then will notify the appropriate tracker.
[[http://www.stateline.org Stateline]] is a website that has become a priceless tool for tracking duties. The website essentially is a tracking service for state legislatures. Using the drop-down menu, you can select the state you've been assigned. Using the drop-down menu on the homepage, as seen below, you can select the state you've been assigned.
Stateline only draws from very influential media outlets within the state, and even then, major legislation will sometimes be omitted from the results. Therefore, it's important to also check the press links in the wiki for any legislation that could potentially be brought up for selection.
In the resources page on the wiki, there is a link for each state that will contain any number of links to media websites for the respective state. The volume of links for a given state and the value of each link varies greatly. However, the value of a specific website will sometimes be noted in the link within the wiki. For example, if a staff member finds a specific source to be particularly valuable, he or she may include "(good)" or "(great)", or some variation thereof, listed alongside the link. You should always check these sources before the others. For example, this is the list of links in the wiki for the state of Arizona in 2010:
Additionally, if a staff member or intern encounters some downtime, it never hurts to update this page in the wiki. Look for additional sources to input into the wiki, especially for states in which only a few links are provided.
When you open a link to a website, remember that news outlets generally have a specific page for legislative and/or political affairs, or at the very least, a page for statewide news. That is where you can locate articles on legislation and votes. Links in the wiki should direct you to the correct page, but often it will only lead you to the homepage (this is another way of updating the wiki during downtime). The homepage won't always lead you to information on legislation and votes, unless it's getting a great deal of attention. If you're at the homepage, navigate the site to find the appropriate page. For example, The Town Talk (a major newspaper for Central Louisiana) has a page specifically for the legislature within the news section of the website, as seen below:
If a state has several links listed in the wiki, it is not absolutely essential that you check each link when tracking the state. However, when a state is in session, tracking shouldn't be limited solely to Stateline. Some of the links, especially the ones in which the value is articulated in the text of the link, should be checked as a backup.
Finally, a quick method for monitoring legislative activity is a simple Google search (other search engines would likely suffice). Google now has a news feature that locates recent articles related to the content of your search. To track using Google, simply search for terms that would be present in an article dealing with a vote or legislation moving through the legislature. Generally, you will have to include the name of the state and word "legislature" or the title of one of the chambers (House, Assembly, or Senate). You can be creative in how to search for legislative activity via Google, but it's usually most effective to keep it simple. For example, the following search result appeared after entering the words "Michigan" and "Legislature" into the text-box on a day nearing the end of the legislative session:
Deletions:
Before a more detailed description of each tool is provided, remember that media attention isn't the be all end all method for locating potential selections of recent votes. As mentioned in the selection criteria, a vote could be requested via the Hotline, and Key Vote advisors will sometimes recommend a selection following your biweekly emails sent out to them. And, sometimes, another staff member or intern will be tipped off to a vote occurring.
[[http://www.stateline.org Stateline]] is a website that has become a priceless tool for tracking duties. The website essentially is a tracking service for state legislatures. Using the drop-down menu, you can select the state you've been assigned. Using the drop-down menu, as seen below, you can select the state you've been assigned.
Stateline only draws from very influential media outlets within the state, and even then, major legislation could be omitted from the results. Therefore, it's important to also check the media links in the wiki for any legislation that could potentially be brought up for selection.
In the resources page on the wiki, there is a link for each state that will contain any number of links to media websites in the respective states. The volume of links for a given state and the value of each link varies greatly. However, the value of a specific website will sometimes be noted in the link within the wiki. For example, if a staff member finds a specific source to be particularly valuable, he or she may include "(good)" or "(great)", or some variation thereof, listed in the link. You should always check these sources before the others. For example, this is the list of links in the wiki for the state of Arizona:
Additionally, if a staff member or intern encounters some down time, it never hurts to update this page in the wiki. Look for additional sources to input into the wiki, especially for states in which only a few links are listed.
When you open a link to a website, regardless of whether you got it from the wiki, remember that news outlets generally have a specific page for legislative and/or political affairs, or at the very list, a page for statewide news. That is where you can locate articles on legislation and votes. Links in the wiki should direct you to the correct page, but often it will only lead you to the homepage (this is another way of updating the wiki during downtime). The homepage won't always lead you to information on legislation and votes, unless it's getting a great deal of attention. If you're at the homepage, navigate the site to find the appropriate page. For example, The Town Talk (a major newspaper for Central Louisiana) has a page specifically for the legislature within the news section of the website, as seen below:
If a state has many links listed in the wiki, it is not absolutely essential that you check each link when tracking the state. However, when a state is in session, tracking shouldn't be limited solely to Stateline. Some of the links, especially the ones in which the value is articulated in the text of the link, should be checked as a backup.
Finally, a quick method for monitoring legislative activity is a simple Google search (other search engines would likely suffice). Google now has a news feature that locates recent articles related to the content of your search. To track using Google, simply search for terms that would be present in an article dealing with a vote or legislation moving through a specific legislature. Generally, you will have to include the name of the state and word "legislature" or the name of one of the chambers (House, Assembly, or Senate). You can be creative in how to search for legislative activity via Google, but it's usually most effective to keep it simple. For example, the following present in the search results after entering the words "Michigan" and "Legislature" into the text-box:
Revision [4214]
Edited on 2010-10-03 15:45:01 by ThomasStepleton [added Twitter usage and lists description]Additions:
@@{{image url="http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/yy307/Project_Vote_Smart/Stateline2-1.png" title="Stateline 2" alt="Stateline 2"}}{{image url="http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/yy307/Project_Vote_Smart/Stateline2.png" title="Stateline 3" alt="Stateline 3"}}{{image url="http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/yy307/Project_Vote_Smart/Stateline3-1-1-1.png" title="Stateline 4" alt="Stateline 4"}}@@
Also, Stateline allows you to subscribe to a specific state's "news roundup" using Google Reader, My Yahoo, Bloglines, and other online subscription services. This essentially allows you to streamline the process and have easy access to all your states at once. There is a link at the top of the state's page as follows:
@@{{image url="http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/yy307/Project_Vote_Smart/Stateline3-1-1.png" title="Stateline 3" alt="Stateline 3"}}@@
__Press Links in the Wiki__
Stateline only draws from very influential media outlets within the state, and even then, major legislation could be omitted from the results. Therefore, it's important to also check the media links in the wiki for any legislation that could potentially be brought up for selection.
In the resources page on the wiki, there is a link for each state that will contain any number of links to media websites in the respective states. The volume of links for a given state and the value of each link varies greatly. However, the value of a specific website will sometimes be noted in the link within the wiki. For example, if a staff member finds a specific source to be particularly valuable, he or she may include "(good)" or "(great)", or some variation thereof, listed in the link. You should always check these sources before the others. For example, this is the list of links in the wiki for the state of Arizona:
@@{{image url="http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/yy307/Project_Vote_Smart/PressLinks-1.png" title="Press Links 1" alt="Press Links 1"}}@@
Additionally, if a staff member or intern encounters some down time, it never hurts to update this page in the wiki. Look for additional sources to input into the wiki, especially for states in which only a few links are listed.
When you open a link to a website, regardless of whether you got it from the wiki, remember that news outlets generally have a specific page for legislative and/or political affairs, or at the very list, a page for statewide news. That is where you can locate articles on legislation and votes. Links in the wiki should direct you to the correct page, but often it will only lead you to the homepage (this is another way of updating the wiki during downtime). The homepage won't always lead you to information on legislation and votes, unless it's getting a great deal of attention. If you're at the homepage, navigate the site to find the appropriate page. For example, The Town Talk (a major newspaper for Central Louisiana) has a page specifically for the legislature within the news section of the website, as seen below:
@@{{image url="http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/yy307/Project_Vote_Smart/PressLinks2.png" title="Press Links 2" alt="Press Links 2"}}@@
If a state has many links listed in the wiki, it is not absolutely essential that you check each link when tracking the state. However, when a state is in session, tracking shouldn't be limited solely to Stateline. Some of the links, especially the ones in which the value is articulated in the text of the link, should be checked as a backup.
__Google Search__
Finally, a quick method for monitoring legislative activity is a simple Google search (other search engines would likely suffice). Google now has a news feature that locates recent articles related to the content of your search. To track using Google, simply search for terms that would be present in an article dealing with a vote or legislation moving through a specific legislature. Generally, you will have to include the name of the state and word "legislature" or the name of one of the chambers (House, Assembly, or Senate). You can be creative in how to search for legislative activity via Google, but it's usually most effective to keep it simple. For example, the following present in the search results after entering the words "Michigan" and "Legislature" into the text-box:
@@{{image url="http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/yy307/Project_Vote_Smart/PressLinks3.png" title="Press Links 3" alt="Press Links 3"}}@@
Notice in the image that there is a link to the article and a separate link to additional articles on the Michigan legislature. Typically, the headlines will tip you off to a vote or legislation that might be worth keeping an eye on.
Also, Stateline allows you to subscribe to a specific state's "news roundup" using Google Reader, My Yahoo, Bloglines, and other online subscription services. This essentially allows you to streamline the process and have easy access to all your states at once. There is a link at the top of the state's page as follows:
@@{{image url="http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/yy307/Project_Vote_Smart/Stateline3-1-1.png" title="Stateline 3" alt="Stateline 3"}}@@
__Press Links in the Wiki__
Stateline only draws from very influential media outlets within the state, and even then, major legislation could be omitted from the results. Therefore, it's important to also check the media links in the wiki for any legislation that could potentially be brought up for selection.
In the resources page on the wiki, there is a link for each state that will contain any number of links to media websites in the respective states. The volume of links for a given state and the value of each link varies greatly. However, the value of a specific website will sometimes be noted in the link within the wiki. For example, if a staff member finds a specific source to be particularly valuable, he or she may include "(good)" or "(great)", or some variation thereof, listed in the link. You should always check these sources before the others. For example, this is the list of links in the wiki for the state of Arizona:
@@{{image url="http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/yy307/Project_Vote_Smart/PressLinks-1.png" title="Press Links 1" alt="Press Links 1"}}@@
Additionally, if a staff member or intern encounters some down time, it never hurts to update this page in the wiki. Look for additional sources to input into the wiki, especially for states in which only a few links are listed.
When you open a link to a website, regardless of whether you got it from the wiki, remember that news outlets generally have a specific page for legislative and/or political affairs, or at the very list, a page for statewide news. That is where you can locate articles on legislation and votes. Links in the wiki should direct you to the correct page, but often it will only lead you to the homepage (this is another way of updating the wiki during downtime). The homepage won't always lead you to information on legislation and votes, unless it's getting a great deal of attention. If you're at the homepage, navigate the site to find the appropriate page. For example, The Town Talk (a major newspaper for Central Louisiana) has a page specifically for the legislature within the news section of the website, as seen below:
@@{{image url="http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/yy307/Project_Vote_Smart/PressLinks2.png" title="Press Links 2" alt="Press Links 2"}}@@
If a state has many links listed in the wiki, it is not absolutely essential that you check each link when tracking the state. However, when a state is in session, tracking shouldn't be limited solely to Stateline. Some of the links, especially the ones in which the value is articulated in the text of the link, should be checked as a backup.
__Google Search__
Finally, a quick method for monitoring legislative activity is a simple Google search (other search engines would likely suffice). Google now has a news feature that locates recent articles related to the content of your search. To track using Google, simply search for terms that would be present in an article dealing with a vote or legislation moving through a specific legislature. Generally, you will have to include the name of the state and word "legislature" or the name of one of the chambers (House, Assembly, or Senate). You can be creative in how to search for legislative activity via Google, but it's usually most effective to keep it simple. For example, the following present in the search results after entering the words "Michigan" and "Legislature" into the text-box:
@@{{image url="http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/yy307/Project_Vote_Smart/PressLinks3.png" title="Press Links 3" alt="Press Links 3"}}@@
Notice in the image that there is a link to the article and a separate link to additional articles on the Michigan legislature. Typically, the headlines will tip you off to a vote or legislation that might be worth keeping an eye on.
Deletions:
Revision [4208]
Edited on 2010-09-28 12:21:27 by ThomasStepleton [added Twitter usage and lists description]Additions:
[[http://www.stateline.org Stateline]] is a website that has become a priceless tool for tracking duties. The website essentially is a tracking service for state legislatures. Using the drop-down menu, you can select the state you've been assigned. Using the drop-down menu, as seen below, you can select the state you've been assigned.
@@{{image url="http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/yy307/Project_Vote_Smart/Stateline1-1.png" title="Stateline 1" alt="Stateline 1"}}@@
Once you have selected the appropriate state, the website will retrieve articles from major press outlets in the state. Generally, the title of the article will articulate that a vote has taken place. However, there could be press on legislation that hasn't yet been voted on. You will encounter articles on legislation that has been introduced, is being considered by a legislative committee, or has been signed or vetoed by the Governor. Although this doesn't necessarily signal a vote that can be brought up for selection, you should still inquire further to determine if a past or future vote is worth taking.
Stateline is a website that you should visit at least once a day, and remember to check each state that you've been assigned. This is not limited to the states that are currently in session; check those that are out of session too. Stateline can be helpful in alerting you to when a special session has or will be called. Should you forget to check Stateline or are unable to do so for any given reason, you can check the archive section to catch up on anything you may have missed as follows:
@@{{image url="http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/yy307/Project_Vote_Smart/Stateline2-1.png" title="Stateline 2" alt="Stateline 2"}}{{image url="http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/yy307/Project_Vote_Smart/Stateline2.png" title="Stateline 3" alt="Stateline 3"}}@@
@@{{image url="http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/yy307/Project_Vote_Smart/Stateline1-1.png" title="Stateline 1" alt="Stateline 1"}}@@
Once you have selected the appropriate state, the website will retrieve articles from major press outlets in the state. Generally, the title of the article will articulate that a vote has taken place. However, there could be press on legislation that hasn't yet been voted on. You will encounter articles on legislation that has been introduced, is being considered by a legislative committee, or has been signed or vetoed by the Governor. Although this doesn't necessarily signal a vote that can be brought up for selection, you should still inquire further to determine if a past or future vote is worth taking.
Stateline is a website that you should visit at least once a day, and remember to check each state that you've been assigned. This is not limited to the states that are currently in session; check those that are out of session too. Stateline can be helpful in alerting you to when a special session has or will be called. Should you forget to check Stateline or are unable to do so for any given reason, you can check the archive section to catch up on anything you may have missed as follows:
@@{{image url="http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/yy307/Project_Vote_Smart/Stateline2-1.png" title="Stateline 2" alt="Stateline 2"}}{{image url="http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/yy307/Project_Vote_Smart/Stateline2.png" title="Stateline 3" alt="Stateline 3"}}@@
Deletions:
Stateline.org is a website that has become a priceless tool for tracking duties. The website essentially is a tracking service for state legislatures. Using the drop-down menu, you can select the state you've been assigned. Using the drop-down menu, as seen below, you can select the state you've been assigned.
{{image url="http://i891.photobucket.com/albums/ac120/Trout4Prez/Stateline1-1.png" title="Stateline 1" alt="Stateline 1"}}
