How to Evaluate a Candidate In five easy steps! SS.7.C.2.9

The Legal Requirements for National Office U.S. House of Representatives U.S. Senate President of the United States 25+ years old Live in the area (district) they will represent Be a citizen for at least 7 years 30+ years old Live in the state they represent Be a citizen for at least 9 years 35+ years old Live in the U.S. at least 14 years Natural born citizen

The Legal Requirements for State Office FL Legislature FL Executive Branch Includes State Representatives & State Senators 21+ years old Live in FL at least 2 years before election Resident of the district they represent Must be an Elector Includes Governor, Lt. Governor, and Cabinet Members 30+ years old Live in FL at least 7 years before election Must be an Elector

We know what the legal requirements are to be an elected official, but is that all it takes to be a member of government?

STEP 1 – What do YOU think? Before you vote for someone, you have to first know what is important to YOU! This way you can look for someone that shares and/or supports your issues and concerns.

STEP 2 – Research the Candidates Three ways you can learn about a candidate before voting: The Candidate (or their campaign) Positive: you can get information about the candidate directly from them Negative: the material is only going to focus on positive things about the candidate and negative things about other candidates

STEP 2 – Research the Candidates The Media Positive: many sources to choose from Negative: some may be biased so you’ll need to look for FACTS instead of OPINIONS The Public Record Positive: there tends to be little to no bias because it is simply what the candidate has DONE, not what they say they’ll do Negative: some may not have a voting record to show what they’ve done

STEP 3 – Learn about their leadership skills & qualifications Background Campaign What kind of jobs have the held? Do they have a good reputation? What kind of education do they have? Do they have any “skeletons in their closets” (secrets) they don’t want anyone to know about? Do they talk to different groups of people (young/old; rich/poor/middle class; rural/urban)? Will they debate their opponents? Do they answer hard questions (and how) or do they avoid them? How do the talk to the press?

STEP 4 – Find Out What Other People Think Opinion Polls Endorsements Contributors These show people’s opinions about candidates Good ones will be from neutral sources (not biased) and ask large amounts of people When an organization or interest group approves of a candidate. If you agree with that group, you may agree with their approval or disapproval of a candidate See who’s donating money to a candidate! Who gives them money can affect how they act in office!

STEP 5 – MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION! Ask yourself (because it is YOUR vote): Which candidate’s view on the issues do I agree with the most? Which candidate showed the most knowledge on the issues? Who ran the fairest campaign? Who will best represent me and serve my community? Which candidate has the leadership qualities I want in a candidate?