This election year is arguably one of the most talked about in our nation’s history, with many issues directly affecting older adults. With the 24-hour news cycle and lively op-eds covering everything from the candidates’ stances on education to how they wore their hair, it can be challenging to develop an informed point of view on what really matters.
We’ve pulled together three impartial resources to help you — regardless of party — make educated decisions when you cast your vote.
ProCon.org
This website gives voters the full rundown of candidates and top issues in the presidential elections. Voters are also given the opportunity to explore the race’s top issues such as trade, international relations, Social Security and more. We encourage you to check out the full list of issues here.
The site also provides candidate profiles on the Democratic, Republican, Libertarian and Green Party candidates. Additionally, the site offers a side-by-side comparison of where all of the candidates stand on the most controversial issues in the election, including the issues that most commonly affect seniors like social security, Medicare and long-term care costs.
Politifact
Pulitzer Prize recipient Politifact is a fact-checking website that works to hold politicians to the truth. If you’ve been following the debates this election, this site gets down to the nitty gritty on the election’s issues and whether the candidates’ claims are true or false.
While the site prides itself on through research and familiarity with politics’ most talked about issues, it remains one of the most easily digestible fact-checking sites. In addition to lengthy articles dissecting candidate statements, the site also runs its infamous Truth-O-Meter™ which ranges from “True” to “Pants on Fire.”
Pew Research Center
If you’re more of a by-the-numbers decision maker, Pew Research is the perfect place to get quantitative research before you vote. The site also gives you a peek into what the top issues for other voters may be, allowing you to draw your own conclusions. Some of the topics researched include people’s concerns about each candidate, commonalities between parties and even information on spousal voting preferences.
These sites let you explore a wide range of issues that may impact your vote in this election. Additionally, news outlets aimed at seniors have been hard at work compiling the presidential candidates’ opinions on top concerns related to aging, such as Social Security, Medicare and more. We recommend Next Avenue’s series on Social Security, health care and Medicare, retirement security, caregiving and long-term care. In addition to the major party candidates, they also have some insights to share on the Green Party and Libertarian candidates. AARP also took a look at where the candidates stand on issues including Social Security and Medicare.
Whoever you decide to cast your vote for, this election season is surely one for the history books. If you haven’t yet registered to vote, take a look at Rock the Vote to figure out your polling place and other important information. If you live in Andersonville, your polling place may even be CMSS’ Winwood Apartments, at 1406 W. Winona St., Chicago, IL 60640.
