Preparing to Vote Produced by the League of Women Voters® of Oregon Education Fund

Effective, responsible participation in the electoral process requires informed citizens (c) 20122

Become an informed voter! Seek out as many sources of information as possible. Analyze both the information and its source. (c) 20123

Become an Informed Voter Potential sources include: – The Internet, newspapers and magazines – Editorials and letters to the editor – Television & radio ads – Friends & family – The League of Women Voters – Special interest groups – Speeches, rallies & other public events – Political parties or campaign committees – Public affairs programs in which experienced journalists and political commentators analyze the candidates' positions and ballot measures. (c) 20124

Ask : “Who says what to whom in what way and with what effect?”  WHO?-the source of the information  SAYS WHAT?- the content of the presented information  TO WHOM?-the intended audience  IN WHAT WAY?-how the information is presented  WITH WHAT EFFECT?-the effect of the information on its intended audience (c) 20125

Analyzing Election Information Sources The key: consult a number of sources, preferably with different points of view Make up your own mind about issues Employ critical thinking – Separate facts from fears and passions (c) 20126

7 For more information, contact the League of Women Voters® of Oregon Education Fund