Does it make it easy for the candidates to discuss the issues and respond to opponents?
Dont be side-tracked, either, by attacks on a candidate based on family, ethnicity, gender, race, or personal characteristics that dont make a difference in performance. If a candidate gets away with an empty claim like that, he or she may never have to account for identifying which expenses are necessary and which are just fat.
The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001. Coolidge's emphasis on traditional values, frugality and economy in government would be familiar topics in a presidential debate today. Talk topeopleof diverse backgrounds and positions, such as aperson of a different race than you, a teacher, a member of the business community,anIndian tribe member,or a sexual or gender minority personto find out which candidate they support and why. Such dark hints can sway an election, if voters are unwary, long before a fair-campaign investigation or a slander suit can put a stop to them.
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Knowing that this is information put forward by the candidates, view the material as the main sales pitch that the candidate will use.
Evading real issues:These include instances in which candidates may avoid answering direct questions, offer only vague solutions, or talk about the benefits of proposed programs but never get specific about possible problems or costs.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging the informed and active participation of citizens in government. Look into campaign contributions. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. According to experts on behavioural science, if we were to do a simple opinion poll, we will find that voters tend to often differentiate presidential candidates in terms of their personal qualities.
While all political consultants are all excited about the latest scientific studies, big data, predictive analysis, and changes in media consumption, it still comes back to the basic building block of good ol fashion storytelling.
How important was the music, the setting, the script? Which of your interests are served by the programs each candidate is proposing?
Probably not, but notice the American flags in both of these posters. 
Slogans such as Come Home America, The New Frontier and The Great Society have always been used by candidates to project a certain image or create a political climate. Developments in photographic techniques sparked new campaign strategies.
What else?
Catchwords Beware of empty phrases such as law and order or The American Way, which are designed to trigger a knee-jerk, emotional reaction without saying much.
Who appeared more relaxed, more sincere, more confident?
Does your collected informationgive you an overall impression of the candidates? Maybe a poverty-stricken childhood should get your sympathy, but it shouldnt get your vote.
But badgering and intimidation are unfair campaign tactics. Today, a candidate's every word, every action, and even their perceived thoughts are paraded before the public. A person who shows compassion and inspires hope and is willing to serve may be qualified to lead.
Here are some ways to read between the lines: The opinions of others can help clarify your own views, but remember you may be the most careful observer of all.
Is it a positive or negative message?
Political Primaries: How Are Candidates Nominated.
What else? What we really want to hear is: Thanks for asking Alex, you handsome devil, please allow me to tell you a story A candidate endorsed by the National Rifle Association would be opposed to gun control laws. Why? Ask yourself these final questions: Which candidates views on the issues do I agree with the most?
Try to translate such buzz-words into what the candidate is really trying to say.
Whether it is a local race that will affect your community or a national race that could change the direction of the country,elections area time to consider the issuesthatyou care about and decide which candidate you support.
Is the information comprehensive and based on facts? Share on Linked In
Butisitpossible to move beyondcampaign ads, social media chatter,and noisy news cycles to find the best substantive candidatewho represents your values and needs? But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Loaded statements I oppose wasteful spending doesnt say much, and it implies the candidates opponent favors it. When you consider issues, think about community, state and national problems that you want people in government to address.
In 1960, John F. Kennedy won the presidential election by a margin of less than one vote per precinct. 1860. Box 610207, Newton, MA 02461 | info@lwvnewton.org, Jane Leighton Volunteer-of-the-Year Award, https://mailchi.mp/56363aee24bf/votes_act_update-8901645, https://mailchi.mp/ceafe522986a/newton-public-facilities-meeting-new-pipelines-and-gas-valve-safety.
Candidates are aware of the potential power ofvideoand try to use it to their advantage.
Certainly candidates on social media will post their thoughts on the news of the day, so you can check them over time and see responses to current events.
Campaigns still relied on tried and true ways to persuade voters, such as sheet music, and direct contact between voters and candidates.
(When parties and candidates pay for polls, they may only release favorable data.).
In other words, its the behavioural characteristics that we can often observe in a person. Talk to your friends and family about your candidates. A proper understanding of national and local district issues is a necessity for any presidential or members of the National Assembly (MNA) candidates nowadays.
When images have come to dominate the political scene, probing for issues takes hard work and care.
Are there explanations about why a candidate supports a particular viewpoint? A campaign will drain you of your energy and spare time.
Are the questions fair and equally tough on all the candidates?
You can judge candidates in two ways: the positions they take on issues,and the leadership qualities and experience they would bring to the office.
Do they accept speaking engagements of participate in debates before diverse groups, even groups that may not be sympathetic?
-- The League strongly believes that transparency and accountability i https://mailchi.mp/6365b29fa297/votes_act_update.
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Share by Email, Breaking News: Governor Baker Signs VOTES Act Into Law, Newton Public Facilities Meeting: New Pipelines and Gas Valve Safety, Municipal Transparency and Accountability Initiative: Mission Statement and Goals - League of Women Voters Newton, Important Update: VOTES ACT Released from Conference Committee.
Throughout its 102-year history, the League of Women Voters has been a vigorous advocate for transparent and accountable government.
Has there been time to tackle the problem? Running for the highest office in the land is not easy. Candidatestryto sell themselves to voters, butthey cansometimesdistort the truth in ways that are difficult to detect.
Research and collectinformation about the candidates. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies.
Election Day just three weeks away. It is now easy to send personalized appeals to selected groups of voters.
Then pick a candidate.
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Candidates must be able to speak in public and be able to articulate a message, even in the face of adversity.
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Do they give speeches to different groups(even those groups that may disagree with them)? Name-calling In a classic case, one politician won an election when he alleged that his opponent once matriculated and that his opponents wife was a thespian. In addition to ignorant or absurd rumors, inflammatory statements that distort truth can be just as damaging. Thomas T. Swan to Abraham Lincoln, June 15. Other peoplesopinions can help clarify your own views, but do not discount your own informed judgments. It also helps if the candidate has some experience in running a campaign and knows how to attract new and/or undecided voters.
A political campaign today is often an image campaign.
Endorsements provide clues to the issues a candidate supports.
Then decide if they are targeted to your emotions alone. Like many Americans, I never know where Ill be on Election Day. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
Sample ballots and instructions are posted at the polls on election day.
When you see videos abouta candidateor that feature the candidate, consider that the picture you see may be staged by a media advisor whose job is to make the candidate look good on camera.
Guilt by association Look carefully at criticism of a candidate based on that candidates supporters: We all know Smith is backed by big-money interest or the union has Jones in its pocket. Every candidate needs support from a wide range of people and groups who may not represent the candidates view on all the issues.
When you watch political ads, be aware of how the medium influences your reactions.
The Hero and the Outlaw: Building Extraordinary Brands Through the Power of Archetypes. For example, in 1860, photographs of Abraham Lincoln and Hannibal Hamlin were featured on campaign buttons. In 1996, Ron Wyden won election to the US Senate to replace Senator Robert Packwood by one percentage point. It is obvious that no candidate will be able to agree with all the voters.
Too often, great ideas and memories are left in the digital realm, only to be forgotten. Throughout the campaign, opinion polls will be taken by a variety of groups to evaluate public support for the different candidates.
A candidate might, for example, call an opponents behavior wishy-washy or two-faced when it should more accurately be described as flexible or responsive.
MyCandidateChoice:___________________________________________________________.
The quickening pace of American living and our dependence on the mass media have greatly changed the way we get our political information. Your first step is to decide which issues you care about and the qualities you want in a leader. How can you know if someone will be honest, open,or able to act under pressure if elected to office?
At the same time, voters will expect stability and compassion from their chosen candidate. When you hear nothing but promises, promises, consider how realistic those promises really are.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. When you turn 18, register to vote. This is a term used in political circles to describe someone who has a desire to win and is willing to overcome obstacles.
We need a story that defines who they are and what they stand for, and a critical element of the story is that it will be rejected by 20-30% of the voters.
(PACs, as they are known, are groups formed to raise and distribute money to candidateswithout disclosing individual donor names.) Passing the blame When one candidate accuses another candidate or party of being the cause of a major problem such as unemployment or inflation, check it out.
They can be powerful. Are you influenced by the age, sex, clothes or physical characteristics of the candidates?
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Heres a small sample of the personal characteristics that I think are relevant to us today in Seychelles.
Is there enough information so that viewers understand the meaning of the answers?
A candidate must be prepared to rise early and stay up late to get the job done. If anyone attacks his or her opponent, is it personal or directed at the other candidates policies?
Dont be swayed or carried away by political bombast.
Guilt by associations:These are statements such as We all know Candidate B is backed by big money interests,whichattack candidates because of their supporters rather than because of their stands on the issues. Think twice about a candidate who tries to make an opponent look weak or out of control by harassment until she or he flies off the handle or says something rash. Political Consulting | Political Media | Political Research, PART 4 HOW TO USE DIGITAL MEDIA TO CHANGE MINDS, PART 3 HOW TO CHANGE MINDS USING DIGITAL MEDIA?
Sachs, Jonah (2012-06-19).
Knowledge of issues that are important to all groups in our society such as senior citizens, farmers, small businesses, churches, etc.
Does it allow the differences between the candidates to surface?
Watch the candidates in action. Do the materials give you an overall impression of the candidates? Have you ever heard quotes like these in a political campaign? McKee, Robert. Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting. HarperCollins Publishers, 1997. The loaded question has the same effect.
Pamphlets and flyers That leaflet slipped under your door or handed to you at the store may contain valid substantive information or it may be full of superficial imagery or even lies, distortions, or evasions.
What specific conclusions can you draw about the candidatespositionson issues? Copyright2022 All rights reserved.
For example, do campaign materials emphasizeissues orniceimages?
I am a voter and I want to know exactly every inch of ground you stand upon -- I want to know for I want to vote for the right kind of a man -- If you suit me I'll go for you -- If not away with you!!
Emotional appeals Listen to a candidates appeals and arguments.
A servant serves the better good of the people and the country, not the best interests and desires of ones self, the candidate.
Record what you have learned aboutwhere theystand on your priority issues from each sourceyou review in Step 3.
Do they emphasize issues or just image?
Checkyour localnewspaper for stories on campaign finance or go towww.opensecrets.org. Here are some ways to read between the lines: Look at the candidates background and their experience. Becoming a candidate is only the beginning of the election process. If a candidate's message speaks to the people, if they choose their issues wisely, the office of president may be theirs. Many types of information about campaign contributions must be reported to the government and are watched by the press, so the information is relatively easy to find. Do they use their own money or raise funds from a few wealthy donors, from many small contributors,or from Political Action Committees? Zil Air aircraft burst tyre forces closure of Praslin airport runway, Open innovation challenge for climate change launched, Institute of Early Childhood Development (IECD). One must also consider, as a servant leader, if one is the best person for the job or if someone else is more equipped than you.
Campaign websites and social media Almost all candidates now have websites and many are on social media, such as Facebook and Twitter. It appears from all the research, our feeble brains must have stories to construct neat, little packages so that we can retain & understand. See through the images Slogans, name recognition and personality are often all that come through in campaign materials: 30- to 90- second prepackaged media messages, photo opportunities on news shows, political flyers and mass mailings.
What did you learn about the candidate from the ad? Do the candidates seem well informed and give answers consistent with previous positions? I want a candidate who bases issue positions on facts and data. Rumor-mongering Watch for the unsubstantiated statement or innuendo. When you input your address, VOTE411 shows you all the races and candidates on your ballot.
The same applies to political advertisementson television or online. The views expressed in this opinion piece are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Seychelles NATION newspaper. The ideal candidate must also have the courage to make unpopular decisions and demonstrate integrity and leadership in crisis management. Consider what you have to trade off to get what you want. Be on the lookout for accusations or other statements about opponents, especially if made so close to election day that they cant be answered or denied. Clearly, the power of images can cause voters to overlook what is being said. Were all the figures released?
This was true in Coolidge's time; is it still true today? Write letters. 3rd -- Were you in favor of J[ohn] Brown the Traitor, or do you now occasionally drop a silent tear or two in honor to his memory?
Promising the sky There are promises that one in an elective office can fulfill and problems that are beyond the reach of political solutions. Direct mail Candidates still use direct mail to solicit funds or votes, especially toward the end of election season. When you enter the polling place, give your address and name to the election official at the check-in table. If you need help, ask an election official at the check-in table.
If so, pick a candidate. What other factors were at work?
Do they accept invitations to debate? What specific conclusions can you draw about their stands on issues? Both are important.
Did you find anything about issues or qualifications?
Review the information you have collected and ask yourself these final questions: In general, polls in municipal, state and national elections are open in Massachusetts between 7:00am to 8:00pm.
A good format should be interesting and fair, should provide information about the candidates and issues and should help you judge the candidates leadership abilities.
For incumbents, a look at their voting records on issues importantto you(which you identified in Step 1)can also tellyoua lot.
Add this information to theCandidate Report Cardshared below.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Hopefully, this will help the candidate and his political party to develop or formulate a strong vision of the countrys future. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Get a list of endorsements from each of the candidatescampaign websites. There are a variety of sources where you can find information, including. The road to the White House is long, expensive, and exhausting.
Before the event, get some background on the debate sponsor and follow any conflicts over the debate itself.
It influences public policy through education and advocacy.
The League Presents: A conversation with Carol Moore, Newtons City Clerk and Clerk of the City Council, The League Presents: Zoning Redesign, part 1, The League Presents: Newtons Citizens Commission on Energy, The League Presents: What it means to be a League of Women Voters member, The League Presents: A Conversation with Three New School Committee Members, Support An Act Promoting Community Immunity. The League Presents is a monthly program on NewTV produced and directed by LWVN members about issues important to our community.
Ask yourself:Did you find out anything about issues or qualifications,or was the ad designed only to affect your attitude or feelings about a candidate?
Dont be afraid to ask questions at candidate meetings, debates,or rallies or when a campaign worker rings your doorbell. Over time the media has changed, and today's campaign strategies reflect the use of statistical analysis and the science of influence and affect.
Examine the issues that are important to you. Important Update: VOTES ACT Released from Conference Committee -, Direct-mail letters sent to targeted voters asking for support and funds. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. If a term defies definition or leaves out great chunks of real life, be on your guard.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. As you watch the campaign develop,considerinformation that provides insights into candidates personalities and leadership qualities.
Someone who has fire in the belly can often make a good candidate.
Candidates can send one message to members of womens groups, for example, and another to members of veterans organizations. For example, you may be interested in national security, government funding for student loans,orclimate change. Research is the foundation of winning campaigns and political operations. Ozean has conducted survey research, focus groups, and data deep dives across the United States. Our analysis allows you to test critical assumptions and form mission-critical judgments.. To help your students analyze these primary sources, get a graphic organizer and guides.
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". While we all know a great candidate can get beat when the political environment and/or district are not in his/her favor or at least even, we will set this aside. Is the moderator in control of the debate?
League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS), 2022 League of Women Voters.
Learn to spot manipulative techniques.
It's hard to imagine this monotone voice, this "man of few words" appealing to modern voters. Where do the candidates get the funds to finance their campaigns?
As you read materials you collect, keep a journal and record the candidates stands on your priority issues.
Elections up and down the ballotpresent voters with important choices. It does not store any personal data.
Find out what these groups stand for and find out why they are endorsing this candidate. Promising the sky:These are unrealistic promises that no elected official could fulfillon their own.
Do the campaigns emphasize media events, where the candidates can be seen but not heard?
Do the candidates tell you their stands on the issues, or do they respond with emotional appeals or slogans?
Here aresevenexamples of distortion techniques that you should watch for as you review candidates campaign materials: Name-calling/Appeals to prejudice:Accusations such as, My opponent is arrogant and full of hot air, do not give any real information about the candidate. Review the campaignwebsite, social media content,andmaterials. How well prepared are they for the job?
Read their positions on their campaign website,watchmedia coverage and online discussions, check out their stances on VOTE411. Which candidate demonstrated the most knowledge on the issues? Democracy truly works only when people exercise their right to participate in the electoral process.
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What if I have to travel for work?
When you consider leadership qualities,whatcharacteristicsdoyouthink makean effectiveelected official? Voters across the country will participate in important state and local elections on November 6.
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Classroom Materials at the Library of Congress. As you read the polls, ask yourself these questions: You should enjoy watching a televised debate because you are so well prepared to understand the questions and answers and to evaluate the candidates performance.
Are they likely to vote? Why? This is not because I think it works.
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However, the candidate must be willing to listen to all sides of an issue, and be able to communicate effectively and connect with supporters and opponents.
As campaigns progress, websites are often updated, so the amount of available information might increase over time. Then on election day VOTE! Reference to race, ethnicity,or marital status can be subtly used to instill prejudice. Judge the candidates own words and deeds.
Sources of information you may choose to review include: Direct mail letters, flyers,and postcards, Candidate endorsements by individuals, organizations,and news outlets, Online candidate forumsand town hall events. We will just look at the simple question, What makes a good/great candidate?, The ability to craft and tell a coherent story that emotionally connects with voters. There it is that is the secret sauce..
I dream to hear a candidate tell a story connecting with the values and emotions of most of the voters AND contains BOTH protagonists and antagonists. Vote by mail, absentee,or in person before or on Election Day. Mark, Margaret, and Carol S. Pearson. Downloadable resourcesarealsoavailablebelow.
VOTE411 also includes information about each office on your ballot, candidate background information, stances on issues directly from the candidates themselves, and extensive background and explanations on ballot questions. Weve done the legwork and spent countless hours on finding innovative ways of creating high-quality prints on just about anything.
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Evading real issues Many candidates work very hard to avoid giving direct answers to direct questions.
The dream candidate? The dream candidate can make the difficult transition of constructing the story without themselves as the central character. However, in the beginning, we will just take a story, any story.