Project Vote Smart Offers Voter’s Self-Defense Manual

Project Vote Smart announces Phase I: the 2004 Voter’s Self-Defense Manual is now available to all Connecticut voters.  The manual provides access to accurate, essential facts on roughly 40,000 officials and candidates. It is a small balanced sampling of the information that is available through the Project Vote Smart website (www.vote-smart.org) and the toll-free Voter’s Research Hotline (888-VOTE SMART).  The manual is free of charge to anyone who requests a copy through the website or hotline.

The manual also contains the most complete look yet at the Project’s Voter’s Self-Defense System and how citizens can use the facts gathered by idealistic interns and volunteers to defend themselves against the often manipulative campaign tactics of many candidates.  Information in the Voter’s Self-Defense System and previewed in the manual includes:

Key Votes:  How members of congress have voted on 17 top issues of the day, culled from all the votes taken in congress

Campaign Contributions:  A snapshot of how much money each senator and representative has raised for his or her campaign and where it came from.

Biographical and Contact Information:  Personal backgrounds, and addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses for each member of congress.

Interest Group Ratings:  Grades from 17 national organizations that have competing interests on legislation before congress.

National Political Awareness Test:  Shows which incumbents were willing to give voters an idea of how they might handle tough issues before congress.  (A quick visit to the Project’s website or Voter’s Research Hotline will yield information on which 2004 candidates are willing to provide this information in the public interest, and their responses to questions on key issues.)

The manual is designed to give citizens a sneak preview of the millions of facts on 40,000 candidates and incumbents now available on the website and hotline. Ballot measures in each state, and information on how and where to register and vote are also available. Connecticut citizens only need to know their zip code and which issues concern them in order to access the facts on their candidates and representatives.

Project Vote Smart is a national research library and maintains a rigid standard of accuracy and balance in its research on candidates and issues.  The project is funded by foundation grants and the contributions of more than 46,000 members, and does not support or oppose any candidate, party or cause.