Voters throughout Maryland now have access to information on all candidates in the June 2014 Primary Election through an online service, VOTE411.org, sponsored by the League of Women Voters. The system went live earlier this month and voters may now enter their home address to access information on the candidates who will appear on their ballot, specifically, candidates’ answers to a series of questions posed by the local Leagues of Women Voters. Those voters wishing additional information about the candidates will find that VOTE411 includes links to websites, Facebook pages and campaign e-mail addresses when those were provided by the candidates. VOTE411 also includes an option for voters to mark the candidates whose responses they prefer and, at the end of the process, print a list of their selections to take to their polling place.
This web-based service is similar to the print Voters Guide that is published by the League in many counties throughout Maryland. VOTE411.org, however, covers all counties in the state including those which do not have a local League. The Voters Guide and VOTE411.org differ from most other organizations’ guides because the League does not endorse candidates, but publishes responses exactly as entered by the candidates. Although questions were sent to candidates by e-mail, many volunteer hours were required to create the online database, entering descriptions of each office on the ballot, crafting questions for the candidates, and following up with them to ensure that they have received the questions and encouraging them to respond.
Many local Leagues will be printing Voters’ Guides for distribution through their respective counties and will post PDF versions on their websites. Voters may take these materials into the polling place to assist them in casting their ballot.
The print Voters’ Guide will appear as a supplement to local newspapers in early June.
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Membership in the League is open to all citizens of voting age.
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