Smart Voter Delivers
Election Information
SACRAMENTO, Calif., Oct.11 (AScribe Newswire) – Voters
throughout California will go to the polls on November
2, 2004 to cast their votes. With 16 complicated state
propositions on the ballot, many voters are not sure what
a yes or no vote will mean. They are also uncomfortable
with numerous local ballot issues that will affect our
communities for years to come. Bombarded by campaign ads
and political rhetoric, voters find it more than challenging
to make accurately informed decisions.
The League of Women Voters of California has an answer
- http://www.smartvoter.org/.
This comprehensive web site provides objective, nonpartisan
background information on the candidates and complex issues
that appear on California's election ballots.
"In order to make an informed decision, voters must
have a clear understanding about all aspects of each issue,"
said Robbie Davis, Chair, League of Women Voters of California
Education Fund. "It is critical that voters have access
to objective and impartial information. Smarvoter.org
provides the most in-depth information about Californian
elections and does it on a nonpartisan basis."
Extensive resources such as the “Pros & Cons” of state
propositions and Cal-Access campaign finance information
are at voters’ fingertips. Smart Voter offers free space
on the Internet to candidates at all levels of government.
Candidate information is then made easily available to
voters who access it, based on their home addresses. This
service is particularly beneficial for local elections,
which rarely receive the press coverage given to national
and statewide contests.
League of Women Voters volunteers have tirelessly solicited
Smart Voter participation from over 4,000 candidates for
state, city, county, and school district offices, as well
as for special district offices with jurisdiction over
public services such as water, irrigation, libraries,
parks and recreation.
For many years, the League of Women Voters has been
passionately committed to campaign finance reform. This
commitment has involved "leveling the playing field" so
that candidates without great wealth can mount effective
campaigns for public office.
”If we are to ever overcome the effects of massive political
contributions, it will be organizations like yours, providing
objective information to the voters, who lead the reform,”
commented one Sonoma County Smart Voter user.
“Kudos! While I always vote, this is the first time
I have felt informed on EVERY issue. It is no problem
finding positions of Presidential candidates, but I have
to admit my past record on judges has been based on nothing
-- until now! Thank you for such a well designed and impartial
site. I am a better citizen for it and the country is
better served by it,” said a Los Angeles absentee voter.
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