by Morgan Thackroot

Created on: September 09, 2010   Last Updated: September 24, 2010

When scanning the almighty ballot to determine where a punch, check, or line is deserved and where it is not, it is easy for a voter to feel overwhelmed by the amount of decisions about to be made.  Such an emotion is quite normal and even commendable as it is a sign of recognition of a great responsibility when voting. Before it is determined what the appropriate considerations are before casting a ballot, it is necessary to identify two different kinds of voting.  There are votes for candidates and there are votes for laws, referred to as propositions in some states.  The mental process before casting the ballot differs in each case, but all votes will be easier if one has engaged in a little research beforehand on each candidate and law.

When considering a candidate for an office, the first question should be, “Is the candidate qualified for this office?”   There are responsibilities of an office which may call for a particular kind of experience or background.  Electing a candidate to the school board who has no children, no educational background, and no demonstrated interest in the standards of education in their community could be detrimental to the welfare of a school system, regardless their party alignment.  Also, a candidate’s qualifications are important because electing an unqualified candidate based solely on the consistency of their politics with the voter’s own could actually result in long term damage to that philosophy’s political prospects.  The election of a candidate who performs poorly in office may be interpreted by the voting public as a reflection of the soundness of the voter’s views, and not just of the voter’s embarrassing party representative in office.  At times, the effect of a more careful consideration could result in the voter casting a ballot for a candidate with whom he or she does not agree as much as another, but that they see as more qualified.

At times, a particular issue will dominate a voter’s decision on a candidate, regardless of party affiliation or experience.  Examples of such issues include abortion rights and gun laws.  While such passion is commendable, and at times seems necessary to enact change, it is recommended that a voter carefully weigh the candidate as a whole even though a single issue dominates one’s thought.  A question to be asked is, “What else will my candidate

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