As citizens of a democratic Republic, we have responsibilities. Voting, of course, tops the list, but more importantly, an informed vote. In our times of extreme mis- and disinformation, and various poisoners of the truth hard at work, it’s often difficult to know what is really a fact and what has been manufactured. With AI, one can create images of anyone saying anything. It may look real, but if it strikes you as odd, it probably is. There are sources, too, to help us distinguish false information, which will appear in another blog or SNIPPET here after I complete the research.
An excellent source for the responsibilities of a citizen in a country built on democratic principles is “The Bill of Obligations: The Ten Habits of Good Citizens” by Richard Haass. He lists Be Informed as first.
One excellent source on issues and candidates is the nonpartisan, nonprofit League of Women Voters, of which I am a member. Use VOTE411.org to get information on ballot issues, candidates, your polling place, and so much more, [Admittedly, when I’m not wearing my LWV hat, I’m definitely partisan. ]
Here are some reliable fact-checkers:
https://www.factcheck.org run by The Annenberg Public Policy Center, a documented nonpartisan, nonprofit organization.
https://www.politifact.com run by The Poynter Institute, also a documented nonpartisan, nonprofit organization.
https://www.opensecrets.org is a documented nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that tracks money in politics and conflicts of interest of politicians and office-holders.