Published: October 20, 2008 10:52 pm         

There is plenty of help available for undecided voters

It’s just a little more than two weeks before the general election. Do you know who you’re voting for?

This presidential campaign has been going on now for nearly two years. Voters have certainly had plenty of time to learn about the candidates. Republican John McCain was tabbed the nominee back in the spring, and while the Democrats had to wait just a little while longer, it certainly seems realistic voters pretty much know who they want to vote for and have for quite some time.

The campaigns and news media have tried to move the pendulum around, and both camps have tried to woo the “independent” or “undecided” voters. However, think tanks believe most voters still calling themselves “undecided” really have decided for the most part.

Not only is it important for every eligible voter to go to the polls and cast a vote; it is extremely important voters go to the polls and cast an informed vote.

Voters shouldn’t look to television campaign ads for honest information, nor should they choose a candidate based on who has the best slogan. Voters today have to be smarter and more savvy in doing research on the candidates and their positions.

A variety of Web sites are available that give non-partisan information on candidates, including Project Vote Smart, the League of Women Voters, etc. are good places to start. Voters also can look up where candidates are getting their money from at the Web site Opensecrets.org. Then, there always are the candidates’ own voting records, although some of that information is hard to mire through.

If you really haven’t made up your mind and are awaiting some magic answer, it likely won’t come to you. You’re going to have to do a little research on your own.

There are two weeks left. If you plan to vote and still don’t know who you should vote for, there’s time left. There really isn’t any good excuse to go to polls without a clue as to who you should vote for.