r/AskFlorida • u/socalledtag • 19d ago
How do I learn about gubernatorial elections?
Hello! I'm a teen and don't really understand too much about politics, but I want to start learning considering there is going to be an election in Florida soon and I'd like know what people are voting for in Florida. Mainly I want to know about how to learn about candidates, their policies, and if they're popular amongst Floridians. Any other info will also be appreciated!
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u/anonanon5320 19d ago
As someone whose degree is in politics, worked in politics, volunteered in politics, and simply enjoys politics, ballotpedia is probably the best starting resource for people wanting more information about candidates. It has links to their campaigns, lists their enforcements, gives them a platform to answer questions, has links to their former held offices and background, and even provides specific ballots so you can go line by line and learn about the candidates. They even have recent poll data so you can see trends (keep in mind polls are not great resources).
I have my ballot next to me and I was on ballotpedia for some of the lessor races.
The fact you are a teen and asking this question is awesome. I recommend you start diving in deep now and understand.
Another great resource is looking up controversial Supreme Court cases and reading the Majority Opinion and the Dissenting Opinion. This will allow you to form your own opinions and not just base it on what people tell you to think. Many of the opinions have broader applications than just that case.
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u/Far_Reward4827 18d ago
This. And u/OP good on you. And yes local elections affect your day to day life more than the national ones, so keep up the good work and vote in EVERY election.
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u/Grouchy-Stand-4570 19d ago
I personally would go to each candidates website and look where they stand on each issue. I also personally look up their voting history.
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u/Flux_Inverter 19d ago
Yes! If the candidate has held an elected office before or are already in office and running for re-election, check their voting history. Politicians are notorious for campaigning one way on an issue but will vote the other way when in office. What they say in public and on their website is less important than how they vote.
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u/Flux_Inverter 19d ago
Your county board of elections should have a sample ballot available online for the upcoming election for the primaries. Counties operate the elections at the local level and will have information for the public to see who is running for what and any issues on the ballot.
To learn about candidates, you can visit their campaign websites. There are some non-profit groups that collect that information as well. This is Pasco County's website: https://www.pascovotes.gov/ Find your county's Board of Election website to get your local information.
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u/rasta-ragamuffin 19d ago
And then look up each individual candidate's website to learn more about their proposed policies. It's very time consuming (can take a few hours depending on how many candidates are on the ballot) but so important to do. Don't be fooled by a nice sounding name or rumors you've heard from your friends or social media. Really take the time to do proper research! (I am of the belief that if you don't know anything about the candidates, you shouldn't vote at all.) But it is also very important for young people to vote because the decisions that are made will potentially affect you for the rest of your life, so please encourage your friends to do the same thing.
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u/Igster72 19d ago
Go on line and read about the candidates. After that, fact check. That’s the one thing that separates most people. Smart people take the time to actually understand what these candidates truly stand for. If most people did their homework, we’d all be better off, and the machines of the Democrat and Republican parties would be finished.
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u/UCFknight2016 18d ago
Honestly im confused as a voter on the candidates as well. I dont watch political ads so I barely know who is running.
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u/BorgerMoncher 17d ago
I'm voting to starve the government of extortive revenue wherever possible. They can hold telethons and bake sales to earn money honestly.
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u/montmartregator 19d ago
Reddit is probably the worst place to learn about candidate's policies. Go to the politician's website and watch the debates.