I read a few articles in the New York Times, and browsed the internet for quite some time with little luck of an interesting topic to write on. Finally, I stumbled upon a website: www.vote-smart.org. Essentially, Program Vote Smart, is a non-biased website devoted to education of voters. Well, voters with internet access, anyways. The website introduces it visitors with several options to learn of candidates by means of party, location, platform, opinions on individual issues, as well as their past experience. In a way, it's a lot like viewing the resumès of the different candidates.
One of what seems to be a positive trait of the website is the fact that it remains as close to un-biased as possible. The directors of the Project or program have methods set up that in order to serve on the board you must join with a member politically opposite of you. For example:
"No one can join the Project's board without a political opposite. People as diverse as former Presidents Carter and Ford, former Senators McGovern and Goldwater, former Governor Dukakis, former Congresswoman Ferraro and current Senator McCain have served on the Project's board, supporting the efforts of the Project's students and volunteers, and ensuring balance and strict impartiality in PVS programs and services." (Taken from About Us)
Important members of congress, past presidential hopefuls, etc, work for this organization, and I had never even heard of it, until tonight. One of the aspects of this website that I found unaccomodating is that nowhere was there any sort of spanish, or other language translation.
"Most of us at Project Vote Smart are not paid and those who are receive only minimal salaries to cover living expenses. We will not accept funding from corporations, PACs or any organization that support or oppose candidates or issues. This effort will be financed by you and other Americans or not at all. Although we could sure use your help, YOU DO NOT NEED TO HELP US IN ANY WAY. Our programs and services are free to all Americans." (taken from 'About Us' page of website)
^^The above is one of the policies that this program sets regarding monies.
In general I feel as though this is a useful program only partially exhibited by means of website. Another aspect of this program is actually a tour bus that goes around to colleges and major cities giving presentations about the different candidates of all the different parties including third parties.
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