What You Need to Know about Vetting Political Candidates

(Daily360.com) – With 2024 being an election year, everyone should expect to be inundated with political marketing and politicians making their pitches for the votes of voters. Since the process can overwhelm people, the American Association on Retired Persons (AARP) has made a six-point plan to help people vet candidates and vote for the person who most aligns with their views.

First, AARP recommends going to the official website of the candidate and researching where they stand on issues that matter to you. Most candidates will list their specific plans for most issues that voters are concerned about. Should a voter need more specifics, the website will likely have a contact email and social media profiles for inquiries.

Secondly, the organization recommends voters research all incumbents running for reelection by looking at their prior voting records. Once one sees how politicians have voted in the past and which issues they were most passionate about, a voter can determine how they’re likely to vote going forward. Congress.gov is a good website to begin with.

Next, AARP advises voters to get out and go to events being held by candidates. If someone who is looking for votes is holding a town hall, head down to ask questions, or listen to the questions others ask. If you can’t be there in person many events can be accessed by phone or via online stream. Small events are also held at community organizations, libraries or party offices as well.

Fourth, find out where a candidate’s campaign office is and make an appointment to visit or just drop in. Speak with the candidate or their staff and ask about issues that concern you.

For the fifth tip, AARP recommends voters visit websites like Factcheck.org to see what statements candidates have made in the past and how they match up with their subsequent actions and claims. That website is run by Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania.

The sixth piece of advice from the group is to go to sources like AARP and others that you trust and find out more background on candidates. AARP runs as part of their online package a rundown of how lawmakers voted on specific issues like the Affordable Car Act (ACA).