Beyond the Single Issue: How to Be a Well-Informed Voter in the 2024 Presidential Election
As early voting opens across the country and we approach one of the most critical elections in our lifetime, it’s time to think beyond just one issue. We are less than 30 days away from determining who will lead us as the 47th president of the United States, but this election is about so much more than a single issue. Your vote represents the future of the country, affecting decisions that will ripple across healthcare, the economy, education, and more.
In my conversations with voters, I’ve encountered many who are laser-focused on a single concern. While it’s essential to care deeply about specific causes, we cannot afford to be single-issue voters in a time when so much is at stake. Whether your issue is healthcare, gun reform, or the environment, it’s vital to consider how each candidate’s broader platform will impact the nation as a whole.
Your vote is not the final step but the beginning of a longer process of civic engagement. After election day, we must continue to use our voices to advocate for the issues that matter. From the presidency to Congress, to our local judicial systems, your engagement will help shape the policies that emerge post-election.
So, how do you ensure you’re making an informed decision? Below are twelve essential areas to consider before casting your ballot.
1. Identify Core Values
Before diving into candidates’ policies, take time to reflect on your core values. What are the principles that matter most to you — equity, justice, economic stability, healthcare access, or climate action? Consider how multiple values influence your worldview. A candidate’s stance on your single top issue is important, but their positions on other areas are likely to affect these core values too.
2. Research Multiple Policy Areas
Once you’ve pinpointed your core values, research candidates’ platforms across various issues. How do they approach education, healthcare, the economy, environmental policies, civil rights, and foreign relations? A well-rounded voter takes a holistic view of policy to ensure that the candidate’s approach reflects a broad understanding of what’s at stake for the nation.
3. Consider the Bigger Picture
It’s easy to get caught up in one issue, but consider the long-term consequences of your vote. How will the president’s overall leadership impact issues beyond your top concern? A decision on healthcare policy, for example, might also affect jobs, climate action, or international trade. Look at how candidates’ policies intersect and the ripple effect they may have across various areas of governance.
4. Engage with Diverse Media
To be well-informed, consume news from a variety of sources. Different outlets often present different perspectives, so don’t limit yourself to media that already aligns with your existing beliefs. Seek out viewpoints that challenge you or offer insights into how others view different issues. This will help you develop a more nuanced understanding of candidates’ policies and how they might affect different communities.
5. Attend Candidate Forums or Town Halls
Candidate forums and town halls provide opportunities to hear candidates respond to questions on a range of issues in real time. Attending these events or watching them online allows you to get beyond the polished soundbites and scripted campaign messages. Pay attention to how candidates answer questions and how well they explain their positions on a variety of topics.
6. Join Community Discussions
Engage with your community to understand what issues are affecting others. When you talk to people outside of your immediate social or professional circle, you may hear about concerns you hadn’t considered. A teacher may prioritize education funding; a small business owner may focus on tax policy. Community conversations broaden your understanding of how different policies impact different people.
7. Evaluate the Candidate’s Track Record
A candidate’s campaign promises are important, but their track record is more revealing. Research their voting history, the bills they’ve supported, and the actions they’ve taken while in office. Look for consistency between what they say on the campaign trail and what they’ve done in previous roles. Understanding their past behavior can give you insight into their likely performance in office across a variety of issues.
8. Assess Leadership Qualities
Leadership goes beyond policy positions. In times of crisis, you want a leader who is calm under pressure, able to unite people, and committed to transparency. Consider candidates’ character, integrity, and ability to collaborate. A good leader will navigate complex issues in a way that benefits the whole country, not just a single group.
9. Understand the Role of the President
The president’s role is multifaceted. Beyond setting policy, they appoint judges, oversee the military, and have significant influence on international relations. It’s crucial to understand the broader scope of their power. A president’s decisions can shape the direction of the country for years, influencing not just legislation but the judiciary and executive actions.
10. Analyze Party Platforms
While candidates are the face of the campaign, party platforms often reveal the broader agenda that will be pursued. Look beyond individual personalities and consider the values and policies that the candidate’s party stands for. Party platforms give insight into the legislative priorities, which may affect a wide range of issues, not just the ones that make headlines during the campaign.
11. Learn About the Down-Ballot Candidates
The president isn’t the only elected official who matters. Down-ballot candidates — those running for Congress, governor, state legislature, and local offices — often have significant influence on issues that impact your daily life. Becoming informed about the full slate of candidates allows you to think more broadly about how policies will be implemented at every level of government.
12. Take Time to Reflect
Once you’ve done your research and engaged with multiple sources of information, take time to reflect before casting your vote. Don’t rush to a conclusion based on one issue or one debate. Consider how the candidates’ overall positions align with your values and how their leadership will affect not just today, but future generations. Voting is a profound civic responsibility, and thoughtful consideration will help ensure you make a decision that reflects your comprehensive understanding of what’s at stake.
By taking a comprehensive approach to this election, you are not only voting for today but setting the course for tomorrow. The stakes are too high to focus on a single issue. What steps will you take today to ensure you are an informed, well-rounded voter?
About Gail Dudley:
Gail Dudley, also known as the Audacious Advocate, is a civic engagement consultant, ordained pastor, and host of News in Motion. With a passion for inspiring positive action, Gail helps individuals and organizations develop strategies for civic engagement and social change. She is the author of INSPIRE: A Call to Action and leads the EVERBLOOM initiative, which empowers individuals to grow and thrive. Learn more about her work at www.gaildudley.com.
