So here’s the deal, I get questions all the time asking me who to vote for in these upcoming elections; judges, county commissioners, governors, school board candidates, etc. Elections are so important and we live in an information age, so we all should be able to collect data which shows us how we should vote.

Personal websites, while somewhat helpful, don’t do the job. Let’s face it – a candidate, myself included, is only going to put their best on their website, and leave out other stuff. So check them out online but don’t stop there.

If the person has been around awhile, you need to check the way that they vote on different issues. Judges have court records and newspaper articles written about how cases were decided. County Commissioners have minutes of meetings which show the way they vote. Same with school board members. Legislator votes can be found at www.leg.mt.gov. If you don’t know, ask an administrative officer where the information is kept and how to access it. It might be as easy as a click away on your computer or you might have to dig a little deeper.

If the person is new to a position or hasn’t ever been elected, it’s a little harder. Here’s where a little sleuthing is required. In our small community it’s not hard to ask around. And ask the candidate their position on an issue that is important to you. Pin them down. Ask the hard questions.

You can also go to www.followthemoney.org, a great website which lets you know a whole host of information about who is supporting a candidate financially. Go there; you’ll be fascinated to learn everything you’d want to know about funding.

Regrettably, the 2012 information isn’t in yet, but the 2010 info is. How about Senate District 25, Billings, where Van Dyk and Brown spent a total of $264,910 in their race against each other?

I like to enter the candidate’s name and see who they donated to in the past. Tells you something about a judge candidate, for example.

In these tough economical times, we can’t afford to let our elected offices be filled by chance, whimsy or hope for a change. We need to know all we can about candidates running for election. We, as citizens, should exercise our right to vote and do so wisely.

Call me at 849-6096 or email [email protected]. Never forget that I work for you.