As a citizen and political scientist, I want to vote in an informed way. So I searched for guides about the 2012 elections and found the materials lacking. Coverage was sparse and sporadic. "Your Voter Guide" on cookcountyclerk.com provided names of candidates but no information on their backgrounds except a few candidate links. Newspaper endorsements in the Tribune and Daily Herald are some help, but they need links to information on the candidates and why boards choose them. The Sun-Times did not make endorsements. Some other media websites mainly link to existing sources. Search of the League of Women Voters website found some background on voting but nothing specific on candidates. There was little guidance on the confusing constitutional amendment.
There needs to be a comprehensive election guide to Cook County elections. Other communities offer such guides by nonpartisan groups. That way informed voters can take a list to the polls of their candidates chosen upon careful consideration. The current lack of guidance is a serious failing for the electoral process. Can a government organization, media outlet, or civic group offer to provide such a guide for the next election? This would be an important public service and educational opportunity for democracy and the community.
Richard Sobel
Wilmette
