The first Presidential debate is tonight and that should be a warning bell to voters that the election is nearly here. We all want to make an informed vote but I’ve heard many people over the years complain about the lack of quality information about the candidates. But in today there is certainly a wealth of information about candidates at nearly every level of politics.

If you're looking for information about candidates who will be on your ballot this year, I have three recommendations:

   1. Civic groups in North Carolina have teamed up and put together a non-partisan voter guide. It's now online and it includes bios on all the statewide candidates on the ballot in North Carolina, including judges. (this is a large PDF document) 
   2. See if civic groups and political organizations in your area have voter scorecards about the issues you care about.
   3. Go to the candidates websites and read their issues pages. If you have questions, contact them.

One year there was a new candidate for the state legislature in my area and I called up a number on her website for more information. The candidate herself answered and actually dropped by my house later that day to sit and talk about her positions on issues. I was impressed. But the lesson I learned was that digging for information and asking questions can be really enlightening before voting.