Cast an informed vote

Arm yourself against ignorance.

While it's every American's right to not vote in an election, it constitutes an abandonment of personal responsibility that's difficult to understand or excuse. Casting uninformed votes is no better.

Fortunately, a non-partisan, nonprofit organization called Project Vote Smart is offering you one weapon in the quest for real information. It's called the Voter's Self-Defense Manual, and you can call right now for your free copy. Dial toll-free 1-888-VOTESMART or send an email requesting the manual to [email protected].

The Voter's Self-Defense Manual offers a comprehensive analysis of candidates for the U.S. presidency and every member of Congress. Some of the categories covered include:

• Complete contact information for your congressional and presidential candidates

• How they voted on key issues

• How they're rated by 17 competing special interest groups

• How much money they're raising - and spending

• Whether or not they have the political courage to inform citizens of their positions

On that last point, candidates are asked, "Are you willing to tell citizens where you stand on the issues you may face if elected?" President Obama lacks political courage. Stop cheering, Republicans; so does challenger Mitt Romney.

Idaho Rep. Raul Labrador and Sen. Jim Risch lack political courage, Project Vote Smart declares. But Sen. Mike Crapo and Rep. Mike Simpson have it.

The manual is well-organized and extremely easy to use. It's also enlightening. Even for those who follow federal-level politics closely, there are certain to be surprising revelations.

We've long been supporters of Project Vote Smart in its mission to arm citizens with enough information to make sound electoral decisions. Please, don't rely on TV snippets, sound bytes or the smear campaigns that have become sordid hallmarks of American politicking. The Voter's Self-Defense Manual is a free step in the right direction.

On the local election front, The Press is now posting completed questionnaires from candidates seeking county, state and federal office on cdapress.com/news/political. A comprehensive voter's guide will be published on Oct. 15. It will be distributed to households countywide, not just to Press subscribers.

Be smart, voters

• Look for local candidate

profiles on cdapress.com

• Explore www.votesmart.org