Civic Duty For American Citizens in Four States

Primary Election Day 2018

There are midterm primary elections in four states today, Wisconsin (my state), Connecticut, Minnesota, and Vermont. We're kinda late in the game. The only primary after today is Wyoming, next Tuesday.

This is about civics, not politics. Whatever your political affiliation, you have a civic duty to vote in the primary elections. There are a LOT of names on those ballots. I spent an hour and a half this morning, going through my sample ballot, and actually looking up each name, studying their positions on issues, and making my decisions. Isn't that the very least that our democracy deserves, is that every voter research the candidates?

Finding Your Sample Ballot

If you want to find your own sample ballot and do the same, simply do a Google search for "sample ballot (your state)" without the quotes, and substituting the name of your state. There are lots of organizations out there that will provide you with sample ballots.

Researching Your Candidates Is Easy

Once you have it, simply look at the contested races for your party. (In Wisconsin, you have to stick to your party, because we have closed primaries). Look at the names of the candidates and Google them. You'll most likely find their web page right at the top of the list. You will also get results from news articles, including scandals, etc. There is an amazing amount of information out there, right at your fingertips, to make it easier to make your decisions. Then go vote. It's that easy.

Finding Your Polling Place

This is also a simple Google Search away. The Internet is awesome!