How to Select a Candidate
By Robert Goodman, MSW
It is that season once again when we get to choose our national and local leaders. On November 6th we will be voting for President, U.S. Senator, state legislators, a Congressman, and several county offices. Issues like Medicare, Social Security, taxes, the economy, foreign policy, and many local issues that effect Century Village, you, and your family are being debated throughout the campaignIt is important to be an educated voter.
How do I know who to vote for?
First, find out who your elected officials are. Learn about the offices and what they do. For information on Palm Beach County visit www.pbcgov.com. Information about the State Legislature can be found at www.leg.state.fl.us.
Second, Learn about the issues that are important to you. AARP, www.aarp.org, has lots of information on Medicare and Social Security. The Medicare Rights Center, www.medicarerights.org, publishes a weekly newsletter with lots of updates on Medicare and related issues. Our local and national newspapers have articles on various issues as well.
Third, separate fact from fiction. Start by ignoring all the negative advertising. The Annenberg Public Policy Center, www.factcheck.org has a website where you can check the facts presented by the candidates and their ads. Find out where the candidates stand on your issues. Attend meetings where they speak. Ask questions to find out where they stand on the issues. The Sun Sentinel and Palm Beach Post usually publish articles on the candidates and their stand on issues. The Politics Center, www.selectsmart.com/president, matches your views to the views of the candidates.
Finally, remember to vote. Every vote counts, especially in close elections. Be sure your family and friends vote too.
