Vote411.org Offers Voters Resources for Election Day

Ahead of the Nov. 8 general elections, the League of Women Voters of Hamilton County offers the nonpartisan election resource Vote411.org. This “one-stop shop” for election information provides access to candidate information, polling place locations and ways to check your registration, among other services.

“Our goal with Vote411.org is to empower all citizens,” said LVWHC president Lisa Dick. “The personalized voter guide shows you more than a name on your ballot. It gives you the candidate’s position on various issues in their own words.”

League members have sought information from all candidates running in the upcoming election. They are contributing this information so that Hamilton County users can see who is running in their areas and learn more about their platforms.

When logging onto Vote411.org, simply enter your address, and all the information on the next page will be tailored to your area. The page includes election dates, links for first-time voters and links to check registrations. Some precincts may have changed due to recent redistricting, so double check your polling locations.

You will see descriptions of the offices, then photos and bios of the candidates who responded to the league’s request for info. Dick said each candidate was sent a survey by email or mail, and their responses were entered by their own representatives. The league does not edit candidate responses.

You’ll see your precinct and your Nov. 8 voting location, and lists of each race, candidates’ responses and other questions on your ballot. You can read about the requirements of each office and compare candidates’ statements with a handy selection tool.

Vote411 has been updated in time for early in-person voting, now through Nov. 7 at various locations in Hamilton County. Vote411.org connects you with this information when you are on its Indiana page. From there, you can find links to the Hamilton County early voting dates and locations, or you can go directly to the Hamilton County election office’s website for that info.

On your personalized ballot, you also will see township and school board races and candidates. Westfield voters will be able to review the Westfield-Washington school’s operating referendum. They will be asked to vote yes or no on this option.

“There’s a lot of attention paid to the federal races, but local township and school boards impact our lives as much, if not more,” Dick said.

Her research shows that many voters opt for straight-party tickets. In those cases, voters may not see the referendum question, the school board races or other local options.

However you choose to vote, Dick and the league members encourage you to make a voting plan that includes researching the races and measures before casting a ballot. Vote411.org is a good first step for that, she advised.

Vote411.org is free and nonpartisan in keeping with the League of Women Voters’ mission as an organization that encourages informed and active participation in government. Leagues around the nation work to increase understanding of major public policy issues and to influence public policy through education and advocacy.

For more information, visit Vote411.org, the League of Women Voters of Hamilton County website at lwvhcin.org/ or its Facebook page at facebook.com/LWVofHamiltonCountyIndiana.