Research Candidates and Referendums on the Ballot
JOSEPH LEWIS / ELECTION 2020:
Hello! I finally got my mail-in ballot. I’m so excited! Now what? You may wonder where to start after receiving your ballot or before voting in person. On the ballot, there are many candidates running for local, state, and federal levels as well as referendums and initiatives where voters get to vote on important issues.
At the local level, county and city government positions are usually filled by election. Some examples include sheriffs at the county level, city councils and mayors, and school board members.
Various officials at state level are elected, such as governors. All members of state legislatures are elected. In some states, executive positions such as Attorney General and Secretary of State are also elected offices. In some states, members of the state supreme court and other members of the state judiciary are elected.
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At the federal level, presidents, vice presidents, and all members of the U.S. Congress, including the House of Representatives and the Senate, are elected.
How do you judge which candidates are the best candidates for you? Candidates can be judged in two ways: the positions they take on issues and the leadership qualities and experience they would bring to office. Both are important. Your first step in picking a candidate is to decide the issues you care about, such as community or national problems that need to be addressed, and the qualities you want in a leader.
In 26 states, a statewide initiative and/or referendum process is available to voters. The initiative process allows voters to vote on a new statute or constitutional amendment. The referendum process allows voters to decide whether to uphold or repeal the law that was passed by their local or state legislatures.
It is important to be an informed voter because you want to be sure that you vote for leaders that make the best decisions for communities. That’s all for now. I will see you next time.