Steven J. Smith for District 11 Delegate

The Don't List

Don't waste time with attack ads

Campaign supporters spend thousands of dollars to design and distribute negative ads against their opponent.  These ads equate to name calling and provide little reason to support any candidate at all.

Don't Vote Party Line

Diversity in politics is as important as it is in everyday life.  A mix of races, religious beliefs and party affiliation is critical to achieving a well balanced Government system.  Vote for the person, not the party!

Don't Vote Against a Candidate

Most people have heard the quote, "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all".  This applies here as well.  Voting against a candidate may feel good, but it is possibly an impuse vote for another candidate who may be just as bad.  Your best option to casting a protest vote is to not vote for anyone in a particular race at all. 

Don't Vote Blindly

Whether you are a Democratic, Republican or other party member, do not close your mind to the opposition.  Each candidate is an individual just like you.  Just because a person is a member of the same party as you are is not a 'Vote Smart' reason to choose that candidate. 

The Do List

Do listen to the Candidate

Visit the candidates official website, send them emails, ask them questions.  Go to public speaking events to meet the candidates.  Listen to how the candidate replies to questions.  Only the candidate knows fully what their opinion is, not their opponents, supporters, or staff workers.

Some candidates (usually incumbants) claim to have busy schedules that prevent them from communicating with their constituents.  Let's be honest, if they are too busy during campaign time, they will be too busy to perform the job they are seeking from you.

Do Vote for the Individual

Each elected official is a single individual with their own opinions and thoughts.  Choose a candidate based on their opinions rather than their party affiliation.

Do Pay Attention

Voting is a responsibility that every American should take seriously.  Each citizen is affected by the results of the previous election cycle.  Taxes, the availability of jobs and consumer goods pricing is all tied to the results of the voting process.

If you follow this simple guide, you will have the time to make an educated decision before voting.