Fake News or Hard Facts, never has it been harder to choose a candidate for elected office. To avoid wasting your vote, first decide what you are looking for in a candidate.

What issues are important to you? What qualities do you care about in an elected leader? Then with a discerning eye, review your sources of information.

This Week’s Call-To-Action: Four Tips You Can Use to Tell Fact From Fiction When Selecting a Candidate.

During an election year, misinformation abounds. The following tips will help you find out the truth when researching potential candidates.

1. Verify Social Media
Be wary of information from social media platforms such as Twitter or Facebook. Fake accounts purposely spreading false information interfered in the 2016 election, and there is every indication this will continue in the 2020 election.

2. Look Beyond Attack Ads
Political advertising can be highly misleading, using emotionally charged video/photos, carefully crafted scripts, or even deceptively edited media to influence viewers.

3. Follow Good News Sources
News coverage of campaigns requires scrutiny, as well. Be wary of staged events and filter out reporters’ comments and opinions.

4. Form Your Own Opinion.
Search out a candidate’s stance on issues important to you, such as the environment or national security. You can find this information by visiting the candidate’s website, listening to their speeches, or watching debates.

For specific details about the candidates and issues on the ballot this November, click below to visit VOTE411.org.

Learn About the Candidates

P.S. Tomorrow marks 100 years since the Tennessee House of Representatives ratified the 19th Amendment.

Starting tomorrow through August 26th, when the 19th Amendment officially became part of the Constitution, we will be profiling one woman each day who was integral to the cause. Stay tuned to your inbox for more.