A Guide to Becoming a Better Voter

As a citizen, one of your most powerful tools for shaping the future is your vote. Yet, in an era of information overload and political polarization, the act of voting has become more complex than ever before. How can we ensure our voices are heard and that we make informed choices? Here are some strategies to help us become more engaged in the democratic process so that we will be better voters.

Engage in Civil Discourse

  • Respectful dialogue and healthy debate are essential components of a functioning democracy. Engage in discussions with friends, family, and colleagues with diverse perspectives, but remember to keep conversations civil and constructive.
  • But how do we go about engaging a friend whom we believe may hold opinions different from ours. Telling someone they are wrong is a sure way to reinforce their opinions.
  • It is better to ask them in a non-accusatory way to explain why they hold those beliefs. You might consider such questions as these. Tell me what it is you like best about your candidate or issue. How did you come to develop that opinion? What sources of information do you normally rely on? How did you choose those sources?
  • This approach can help people understand the fallacies of their own positions when they discover they can’t adequately explain them to someone else. (Assuming, of course, that it’s not your positions that are based on fallacies, in which case you may need to do the explaining.)
  • Practice active listening and empathy. Seek to understand differing viewpoints rather than dismissing them outright. This is hard to do, and I struggle with it often. (After all, how could The Grumpy Doc be wrong?)
  • Be open to changing your mind based on new information or perspectives. We all know how difficult this can be. We need to remember that growth and learning are integral to the democratic process.

Educate Yourself

  • Before heading to the polls, take the time to research candidates and issues on the ballot. Seek out information from multiple sources, including reputable news outlets, candidate websites, and nonpartisan voter guides. Avoid anonymous websites and flyers attributed to vague groups.
  • Look beyond soundbites and slogans. Dive deep into candidates’ platforms, voting records, and policy proposals to understand their positions on key issues. Look at what they did and said before they decided to run for office. This may give you better insight into their core beliefs. It is important to understand the person behind the campaign image.
  • Don’t overlook local elections. While national politics often dominate the headlines, local officials have a more direct impact on your daily life by their handling of issues like education, public safety, and infrastructure. Fact-Check!
  • In today’s digital age, misinformation and fake news abound. Fake news itself has become a campaign issue. Arm yourself against misinformation by fact-checking claims and statements made by candidates and in their political ads.
  • Consult fact-checking websites like FactCheck.org, PolitiFact.com, and Snopes.com to verify the accuracy of information before making decisions.
  • Be wary of partisan sources and social media echo chambers that may perpetuate false narratives. Cross-reference information from multiple reliable sources to ensure its credibility. Don’t assume that because it’s online it must be true. (See my earlier post on critical thinking.)

Get Involved

  • Beyond casting your vote, consider participating in political activities or community groups. Volunteer for a political campaign, attend town hall meetings, or join grassroots organizations working on issues you care about.
  • Advocate for policies and candidates that align with your values. Write letters to elected officials, sign petitions, and participate in peaceful demonstrations to make your voice heard.
  • Encourage voter participation among friends, family, and neighbors. Help register voters, provide transportation to the polls, and share reliable voting information to ensure everyone can access the ballot box.

Hold Elected Officials Accountable

  • Remember that voting is just one part of your civic duty. Stay informed about the actions and decisions of elected officials after they are in office.
  • Hold elected officials accountable for their promises and commitments. Contact them regularly to express your opinions on legislative matters and advocate for policies that reflect the will of the people.
  • Stay engaged between elections by attending town hall meetings, participating in local government committees, and staying informed about upcoming legislation that may impact your community.

If we embrace these principles and actively participate in the democratic process, we will become better voters and contribute to a more informed, inclusive, and responsive society. Our voices matter, and our votes have the power to shape the future of our nation and our communities.

Remember, democracy is not a spectator sport. It requires the active engagement and participation of informed citizens like you. The right to vote has been hard fought over many generations and it is coming under attack by groups intent on suppressing differing opinions. So, let’s roll up our sleeves, do our homework, and make a difference at the ballot box. Our democracy and our future depend on it.