Nonpartisan election information

• Published in: Public Services Quarterly Vol. 16; no. 2; pp. 95 - 100
• Main Author: Adams, Annis Lee
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Binghamton Routledge 02.04.2020; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Elections; information services; Information sources; Librarians; public services; Reference services; Voter registration; Voting rights; Web sites; United States > US
• ISSN: 1522-8959; 1522-9114
• DOI: 10.1080/15228959.2020.1737626

2020 is an election year in the United States. As we know from both past elections and the current election season, mudslinging, hyperbole, misinformation campaigns, and fake news proliferate the media landscape. Finding and recognizing reliable, accurate, nonpartisan election information can be challenging. Fortunately, several websites offer reliable, accurate, nonpartisan, and balanced information on the election and about voting. Some sources include information on how to register to vote, who can register to vote, and explain voting rights. Other sources provide links to or compile information on candidate voting records, where candidates get their funding, where they stand on issues, and fact check their statements. And, still others allow voters to get personalized information about what will be on their specific ballots, such as all the candidates running for local, state, and national offices, as well as bond measures, propositions, and other ballot initiatives. The reviews included in this issue's column comprise a sampling of reliable election websites spanning the various election topics mentioned above. Librarians can feel confident recommending these sites to their patrons looking for accurate, balanced, reliable election and voting information.