Elections present voters with important choices. How will these local races affect you and your community? It’s a time to consider the issues that you care about and decide which candidate you support. But how do voters go about comparing and then judging the candidates? All too often slogans, controversy and personality are all that come through in campaign materials. However, it is possible to move beyond style and toward substance. Check out these steps to help you judge a candidate and make the best choice for you on Election Day.

The LWV of the United States had its national convention in June. Events were led by intelligent, patient, inspiring women of diverse backgrounds and cultures. The newly elected president, Dianna Wynn, said “A bigger, bolder, more powerful League of Women Voters can shape the future of our democracy.” The new CEO, who is well known to the League as chief counsel, laid out a dynamic, ambitious vision for the League. A good use of your next fifteen minutes is to listen to Ms. Stewart here.

If you are a League member, be proud to be in exceptional company. If you are not a League member, join us. We are strong. We adapt. We organize. We’ve been around a hundred years. We’re working on the next 100 years. Help us continue to defend democracy and empower voters.