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Politics Playbook
How toResearch

Research politicians

Researching a politician is not the same as calling them. Start with what you actually need.

  1. 1

    Best forOverall information

    Best if

    You need a real biography and office history

    Ballotpedia

    Use it when you want who holds the seat, who is running, and what a ballot measure actually does.

    Open Ballotpedia
  2. 2

    Best forIssue positions

    Best if

    You want their issue positions and interest-group scores

    Vote Smart

    Use it when you want votes, issue positions, and interest-group scores. Thinner as a biography, stronger on where they stand.

    Open Vote Smart
  3. 3

    Best forSample ballots

    Best if

    You want to know what is on your ballot

    Vote411

    The League of Women Voters tool. Enter an address and see what is on your ballot.

    Open Vote411
  4. 4

    Best forDirect engagement

    Best if

    You already know who they are and want to rate, contact, or donate

    Power Players

    Ratings, contact, donations, and races. Not a replacement for Ballotpedia’s depth.

    Open Power Players

Confirm it is the right person

Same last names, same states, challengers from last cycle. Ballotpedia is strict about office history.

See the research comparison

Open BallotpediaOpen Vote SmartOpen Vote411Open Power Players

Last updated September 23, 2026