by Marian Shostrom and Cindy Mataraso, Voter’s Edge County Coordinators
Voter’s Edge, a partnership between LWVCEF and MapLight, provides a free website for all candidates. A dedicated team of League volunteers attended virtual training sessions in March, and began work in early April so that Contra Costa County voters can learn about all candidates on their ballot, and local measures before voting in the June 7, 2022 Primary. The current Voter’s Edge Team includes LWVDV members Patti Bittenbender, Sue Brandy, Kathi Bruce, Tiffany Martin, and Cindy Mataraso, and Sue Boudreau from LWV West Contra Costa.
Before posting information, candidates must agree to talk about their own candidacy without mentioning another candidate, and they verify that what they are posting is true. MapLight provides information about financial contributions to state and federal candidates and state measures. LWVCEF has a goal of 50% participation or higher in each county by election day. Contra Costa County has 50% candidate participation as of April 25th!
Why Voters Like Voter’s Edge:
- One place to compare all candidates–local to state and federal.
- Candidates talk about their own candidacy–not about other candidates–voters can learn about substantive policy issues that they care about.
- They will never see negative campaigning on Voter’s Edge.
- Check your ballot by typing your address into Voter’s Edge.
- If a candidate’s profile is blank, use the link on Voter’s Edge to urge them to post information about their candidacy.