Election Series: Best Sites for Research

While SmokeFree Wisconsin can't endorse candidates this election season, we can endorse a few websites you might want to check out before you head to the polls. As public health advocates, we build our power by being civically engaged.  We might not have money to throw around like Big Tobacco, but we have something all politicians want:  our vote.  Here are our top picks:

• Wisconsin-specific election information: check out the Elections Division of the Government Accountability Board's website. There you can find out what national, state, and local races will be on your ballot, check out their FAQ's section, or view past election results.

• Wisconsin's political parties also have sites worth a look: wisdems.org and wisgop.org. There you can donate to your chosen party, check out candidate positions and biographies, and find out what you can do to support your chosen candidate.  These are the people running to represent you in the Stage Legislature, where smoke-free legislation will likely be introduced and voted on again next session.

• In need of a statewide political fix? Don't miss WisPolitics.com and thewheelerreport.com's election page, two great sites dedicated to keeping tabs on all the nitty gritty details of election and (non-election statewide politics).

• Not interested in wading through "donate now" advertisements? Tired of visiting twenty sites for election information? Here's one: www.votesmart.org. Voter registration, candidate bios, voting records, issue positions, interest group ratings, public statements and public finance information. Find it all here.

• For nationwide information, be sure to check out JohnMcCain.com and BarackObama.com for voter details, position statements, and campaign donation and volunteering instructions.