Need advice regarding filling out my absentee ballot

[da_chimperor]

My problem is that I've been living outside the states for a while now, and I know nothing about any of the local candidates running for school board member, city council, etc., other than I'm sure as hell NOT voting for some woman named Cindy running for city council who has her occupation listed as 'visionary'. None of this will really affect me directly, since I have no idea when I'll be back permanently. My conscience won't allow me to inadvertently vote for some loon or dumbass that will mess things up. My local newspaper is publishing bios on all the candidates, but they all won't be out until very close to the elections. So what do I do? I want to get my ballot in well before the deadline so it's counted, but I also want to vote for the candidates I think are best. Any advice?

[Lefta Dissenter]

1. Obviously, you should look at their websites

to see where they stand on the issues that matter most to you. Also, check to see who's endorsing them. That may tell you something.

[da_chimperor]

4. Eh, none of them have web sites

that's the problem :( The town isn't big enough I guess.

[IronLionZion]

2. Ask the newspaper for their names and bios

if they have them, they may send it to you. Then check out their webpages

[da_chimperor]

7. That's a really good idea

They may have them already done. I'm going to e-mail them right now and find out. Thanks!

[ParanoidPat]

3. Where in California are you from?

Perhaps I can help with the local info on your candidates. I'm in Santa Cruz County and have tons of resources. :)

[da_chimperor]

6. 1st district (we're number one!), Napa

Thanks for the offer. Let me know if you can find anything.

[ParanoidPat]

9. For you and anyone else in California.....

.....here's a good place to start. This is a PDF document from the Secretary of State's office that lists all candidates running for office in this election with their contact and web site info. :)

http://www.ss.ca.gov/elections/certified_list_pg1104.pdf

I'll see what else I can dig up. :evilgrin:

:kick:Paper ballots are the currency of democracy, don't let anyone short change you!:kick:

[Longhorn]

5. When I'm in that situation --

and occasionally I am even though I've never been out of the country during an election -- I either don't vote in that race or I vote for the Democrat, if the party is indicated. In fact, I usually vote straight ticket. I'm in Texas and we're trying to rebuild the Democratic Party. I figure even a "visionary" Democrat is usually better than the Republican candidates around here!

[da_chimperor]

8. It says she's a homemaker and 'visionary'

so the homemaker part makes me think she's too conservative for my tastes. And the visionary part makes me think she has delusions of grandeur, or she's just plan nuts.

[Longhorn]

11. Woa! I was a homemaker for about 15 years and I was proud of it!

I'd like to think I'm a visionary, too, but I've never listed it as an occupation. ;)

[Lefta Dissenter]

10. Since they don't have websites,

put the ball in their court. Call them and ask them to send you information. They should have SOMETHING to show for their campaigns.

[da_chimperor]

12. Thanks everyone for the information

I think things will work out just fine. :)