Research Guides: Election Resources: General Election Information

General Election Resources

League of Women Voters
The League of Women Voters is a citizens’ organization that has fought since 1920 to improve the government and engage all citizens in the decisions that impact their lives. Formed from the movement that secured the right to vote for women, the centerpiece of the League’s efforts remain to expand participation and give a voice to all Americans.
USA.gov
This website provides a number of resources including a terms glossary, information on the presidential election process, as well as voting and election laws and histories.

Newspapers
by Olga Hart Last Updated Mar 11, 2024 2014 views this year

Researching Candidates

Knowing which candidates are on your ballet, where candidates stand on issues, and how they have voted on issues in the past is an important part of voting. Use these resources below to help you be a more informed voter.

Vote411.org
This website allows you to enter your address to see what issues are on your ballet, who is running, compare candidates side-by-side, and see when upcoming elections and registration dates are.
GovTrack.us
This website allows you to find out who your representatives in Congress are and how they voted on specific legislation and what bills they sponsored and more.
Pew Research Center
Pew Research Center, a non-partisan fact tank, has a political party quiz to help you determine what party your views most align with.
OnTheIssues
This bipartisan website provides information about where different politicians stand on a variety of issues.

Researching Issues

Not just candidates are on ballots, oftentimes ballot measures will also be present. Ballot measures are proposed legislation that voters can approve or reject. Ballot measures may also be known as propositions or questions.

BallotReady
This website allows you to type in your address and see who your candidate is and what referendum are going to be on your ballot.
Ballotpedia Sample Ballot Lookup
This website allows users to enter their address to get information on ballot measures, candidates, information about candidates, polling locations, and hours for your location and more.
Ballotpedia's List of Political Parties
This website allows users to find information about different political parties.
Congress.gov's Policy Areas
This website lists thirty-two broad policy areas and explains what the primary focus of that policy area is.

Navigating Political Bias

Reputable fact-checking organizations focused on U.S. national news

FactCheck.org
This "nonpartisan, nonprofit, consumer advocate" site monitors the factual accuracy of statements from major U.S. political figures.
Politifact
PolitiFact is a project aimed at bringing the truth in politics. PolitiFact's reporters and editors fact-check statements from the White House, Congress, candidates, advocacy groups and more, rating claims for accuracy on their Truth-O-Meter.
Washington Post Fact Checker
"Although the Washington Post has a left-center bias, its checks are excellent and sourced. The bias shows up because they fact check conservative claims more than liberal ones."