A "one-stop shop" for information on local elections will soon be available through Vote411.org, a free resource developed by the League of Women Voters. 

"We believe that everyone should know what is going on and who the candidates are before they vote," LWV volunteer and Vote411.org state chair Elinor Chehey said. "People should know more than just what the candidate's political advertising says."

The League of Women Voters is a national, nonpartisan organization that advocates for citizens' informed and active participation in government. 

The LWV launched Vote411.org in 2006 as a free national database for the public to access unbiased information on federal, state and local elections. Once finished, Chehey said, Kootenai County voters will find photos, videos, statements and questionnaire responses from candidates in their area. 

"This software gives us the ability to reach out to candidates with a list of questions and have them create a private space to enter their answers," Chehey said. "When the website is published, people will be able to pull up two candidates at a time and compare their responses." 

Information that will be available through Vote411.org includes:

• Ballot measure information

• Early voting and absentee-ballot options

• Election dates

• Factual data on candidates 

• Polling place locations

• Registration deadlines

• Voter requirements and registration forms

• Voting machines 

Following the cutoff for candidate filing at 5 p.m. Friday, the League of Women Voters will solicit responses to a questionnaire regarding growth, public health, the fire district and school board issues. 

"A lot of the things that really affect people are local issues like having enough police and fire protection, safe streets and good schools," Chehey said.

Kootenai County candidates can contact Lisa Schaff with the LWV for an e-invitation participation link at LisaSchaff1@hotmail.com. Chehey said the Kootenai County LWV will publish the complete Vote411.org webpage by early October.

The Coeur d'Alene Press will publish an independent voters guide for the Nov. 2 election in mid-October. While that publication will go to all Press subscribers, extra copies will be available for non-subscribers, said Mike Patrick, the newspaper's editor.

Voters can register for the November election online at www.idahovotes.gov or through the Kootenai County Elections Office in Coeur d'Alene. Citizens can sign up and vote at their polling place on Election Day after registration closes. Proper photo identification and dated proof of residence are required. 

Absentee ballots will hit mailboxes in early October, and early voting runs Oct. 18-29.