The 2010 Election Champaign is in full swing. Candidates are holding meetings all across the island appealing for your support on Election Day which is fast approaching, but do you know or understand how to select a candidate? Well it is time to choose! Pick a candidate! Who will it be?

If you are still undecided as to who to support, here are a few steps to help you:-

Mrs. Marilyn Hodge

Step 1: Decide what you are looking for in a candidate.
You want to pick a candidate that you agree with on the issues and that you feel would be a good person for the job. Both are important. Your first step in picking a candidate is to decide what you care about and what character you want in a leader.

Create a Candidate Report Card listing your priority issues and the qualities you think are most important in an elected official. Rate the candidates on how closely their views match yours and on their leadership abilities.

Step 2: Take a good look at campaign information

Candidates use many tools in campaigning for office, such as political ads, flyers and posters. Voters need tools to judge candidates on their positions and qualifications.

Ask yourself these questions:-
• What did you learn about the candidates?
• Did you find out any details on what the candidates want to do?
• Did the candidates tell you anything about their prior accomplishments, their vision, their area of passion, the ministry they wish to hold - issues that are of concern to them and solutions to the many ills in our society?
• Are the candidates just appealing to your emotions rather than speaking to the issues at hand?
• Do the candidates articulate their vision clearly and show you how you fit into the scheme of things?

Step 3: Learn how others view the candidate

People are asked whom they support and sometimes why they support a particular candidate. Candidates like to know who others think are leading because it can increase support and contributions from people who want to be on the winning team. However, before you jump on the bandwagon, it is fitting that you stop and ask these questions:
• How do they know who is leading in a particular constituency?
• What makes that particular candidate more favourable than the other?
• How did people go about deciding exactly who to choose?

• How many people were interviewed?
• How many “Undecided” voters did they come across?
• What were some of the issues that were of concern to those who were interviewed?

Step 4: Rate the candidates on how they campaign
You can tell a lot about a candidate by the way the campaign is run. We deserve openness, honesty and campaigns that tell us about what the candidate wants to do.
Does the candidate answer questions? Is the candidate willing to debate with opponents?
Does the candidate appear in person or send a “stand-in?”
Does the candidate pass the blame to another candidate or party for being the cause of a major problem? Was it really possible for the candidate or party to solve the problem? Has there been time to tackle the problem?

Does the candidate make promises that are realistic?

Does the candidate evade real issues?

Step 5: Pick a candidate
• Now that you have the tools to make an informed choice, DO SOMETHING!
• Back the candidates you believe in.
• Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions at a candidate’s meetings, and when a campaign worker knocks at your door.
• Call radio stations and newspapers to praise or criticize campaign spots.
• Tell candidates and party leaders how you feel about the issues.
• Don’t tolerate unfair campaign practices.

Now that you have been given some tools to assist you in selecting a candidate, pick and vote for the candidate of your choice! Your choice will help to determine the outcome and future direction of the nation.

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