About the Project

What: This blog is represents, in real time, a twelve month project following an average citizen’s deliberate attempt to conduct first hand research of selected ballot measures and campaigns leading up to the election process.

Why: Over a period of time I realized just how much I depended on media and anecdotal information to influence my vote. Over the past couple of years, I grew increasingly uncertain of the accuracy and/or un-bias of the information being conveyed.

After all, we vote for politicians (and pay their salary) to make decisions and take action on our behalf. I argued that it was not only a right, but a voter’s responsibility to do the homework to cast the most educated vote for the person or initiative that aligns most closely with their personal values. During the last general election, I experienced information overload with so many disparate views that I really wondered where the ‘truth’ was buried.

My gut tells me that it is practically impossible for the average citizen to thoroughly research every ballot measure. I also suspect I will struggle with the language of the measure. Still, these measures are drawn up for the people in the interest of the people. I am an educated citizen who can walk and chew gum at the same time so I think I can do justice to this project. The question is, to what extent do we really have to rely on media and others to interpret the ballot measure and just how much can we reasonably accomplish on our own?

When: Starting at the posting of this blog in January 2010, through December 31, 2010 (or thereabouts).

How: To be realistic, I will follow select ballot measures (depending on timing) and at least one candidate’s campaign for election/re-election. These will more than likely be representative of local or state government affairs. I set a goal of doing two full hours of personal research per week, as much as possible tracing information to the direct source. My goal is to keep it real.

Where: I preside in the State of Washington, so state and local references will be specific to my area. Most of my research will be conducted online. As I follow this journey I will post my sources, many of which I suspect will be government agency sites. With that in mind, let’s assume each state will have similar resources available.