To engage effectively in democracy it helps to be informed on current issues, and to understand the views of people who disagree with you. Here are some of our favorite resources for information that is trustworthy, non-partisan, and non-overwhelming:
How do I get balanced news coverage?
The FlipSide is a daily email newsletter that curates thoughtful opinions from liberal and conservative media on a single high-profile topic per day.
AllSides displays the top stories from all parts of the political spectrum to give you a more balanced perspective on current events. Every news source is accompanied by a media bias rating determined using multiple methods including user feedback.
How can I know which candidates represent my ideas?
Many students feel like they aren’t informed, or haven’t given enough thoughts to political questions. The Political Typology Quiz helps you reflect and identify yourself along the spectrum of American political leanings.
iSideWith is a quiz that shows how your opinions on various issues line up with prominent politicians. You can also view data on how other users relate to the issues.
WeVote is an online voting guide that allows you to follow issues, organizations, and people you are interested in, as well as showing who endorsed each choice on your ballot.
How can I tell my rep what issues I care about?
IssueVoter allows you to read about high-profile bills in Congress and send your opinions on them to your representatives. They also show how your rep ends up voting, so you can find out how well they are representing your interests.