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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