Where do you get your news?
- Let us know where you get your news!fill out the form and maybe your answer will appear here!
NewsGuard
Get the NewsGuard extension for your internet browser! NewsGuard employees analyze and research whether "a website is trying to get it right or instead has a hidden agenda or knowingly publishes falsehoods or propaganda." Their easy-to-understand ratings and "nutrition labels" will keep you informed and give you more context for the news you're consuming!
Don't fall into the fake news trap during the election cycle! Make sure you've got your facts straight with help from this infographic, one of the resources on this page, or a librarian.
How Do I Pick A Candidate?
The best way to figure out who to vote for is to do your research. Sound boring or too difficult? Let us help!
1. Get to know your candidates - take a look at candidates' websites, social media, and interviews. Read the local news! Look at voter guides for your area from your state's election website. Or use this fun tool from VoteSmart to see how any federal politician votes on issues which are relevant to you!
2. Learn about things you actually care about - if there's an issue near and dear to your heart, try looking for information about that issue. Many non-profits and issue-specific organizations issue voting guides. You can also join on-campus clubs to learn more about current issues and candidates.
3. Watch the debates - look up your local TV listings for primary debates. Many are also streamed online--check back with this guide for links throughout the year! For local elections, consider attending a debate or meet-and-greet with the candidates in person.
4. Check the voting record - if a candidate has already held office, all their voting records are public. Try congress.gov for US senators and representatives or look up your state legislature. For local elections, check out the city council voting record.
5. Talk about it - of course it's important to form your own opinion, but your friends, professors, and families can be helpful resources to learn more about candidates, communities, or politics in general.
Follow The Money!
- Illinois Sunshine -- Candidates can receive money from individuals, corporations, Political Action Committees (PACs), and even from themselves! For information about who's donating to a candidate in the municipal election, check out this website.
- Federal Election Commission -- For more information about about who can donate, and how much, check out the FEC.
Helpful Links
- FactCheckEvaluates the accuracy of political claims, and responds to user-submitted inquiries. Archives cover the 2004 and 2006 elections. From the University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg Public Policy Center.
- GovTrackGovTrack is the only website that provides free research, tracking, and analytics on the daily activities of the United States Congress.
- NPR's Illinois Election Feedcontains information and updates about the Illinois midterm elections
- PolitFacta fact-checking website that rates the accuracy of claims by elected officials and others who speak up in American politics.
- Voxgova of record of unedited news and information from official government sources, including videos and press releases