Getting info about LOCAL ELECTIONS (rural San Diego county)

[not fooled]

Although the focus recently has (rightly) been on the national races, there are a number of local offices up for grabs Nov. 2. I'm not even talking about statewide or congressional races, but the REALLY local stuff--school boards, planning boards, etc. Often these people actually have a real and significant impact on our lives, but I haven't found out how to get accurate info on the candidates.

This issue is particularly important because I have recently moved to rural (East) San Diego county, which is densely populated with hard-right kooks. Apparently, the religious nutjobs run as stealth "moderate" candidates. Local newspapers are conservative asswipes so of no use. Once in office, these kooks apparently have tried to enact fundie agendas--rabid homophobia, teach creationism instead of evolution, etc. (you get the picture).

So, how to research the candidates, i.e. get info from a reliable source? Can I call the local Dem party office? League of Women Voters? Or ? I feel bad not voting for judges, school board members, local planners because I don't know anything about them.

[silverweb]

1. I'm in the city

There's a Democratic voter guide that specifically mentions the "stealth fundies" trying to infiltrate the community college district. It urges voting for William Schwandt (District B) and Marty Block (District D) for the community college board.

Otherwise, check out the San Diego Democratic Club site, with their voter's guide and endorsements:

http://www.sddemoclub.org

There are also recommendations at the San Diego County Democratic Party site:

http://www.sddemocrats.org

Edited for addition of second site.

[not fooled]

2. Thank You SILVERWEB!!!

Thank you for the great references; I will check out these resources.

Now I will be able to cast informed votes AGAINST the crackpots!

[silverweb]

4. You're very welcome!

Sobersteelhead's reference below to the LWV is also a great one. The LWV is an excellent source of objective information on the candidates and issues.

In these critical times, though, I'm more interested in the opinion of other progressive Democrats. Call it my own affirmative action policy.

:D

[nosmokes]

3. the league of women voters are your friend

http://www.lwvsandiego.org/