1. How to Evaluate a Candidate
In five easy steps!
SS.7.C.2.9

2. The Legal Requirements for National Office
U.S. House of Representatives
U.S.
Senate
President of the United States
25+ years old
Live in the area (district) they will represent
Be a citizen for at least 7 years
30+ years old
Live in the state they represent
Be a citizen for at least 9 years
35+ years old
Live in the U.S. at least 14 years
Natural born citizen

3. The Legal Requirements for State Office
FL Legislature
FL Executive Branch
Includes State Representatives & State Senators
21+ years old
Live in FL at least 2 years before election
Resident of the district they represent
Must be an Elector
Includes Governor, Lt. Governor, and Cabinet Members
30+ years old
Live in FL at least 7 years before election
Must be an Elector

4. We know what the legal requirements are to be an elected official, but is that all it takes to be a member of government?

5. STEP 1 – What do YOU think?
Before you vote for someone, you have to first know what is important to YOU!
This way you can look for someone that shares and/or supports your issues and concerns.

6. STEP 2 – Research the Candidates
Three ways you can learn about a candidate before voting:
The Candidate (or their campaign)
Positive: you can get information about the candidate directly from them
Negative: the material is only going to focus on positive things about the candidate and negative things about other candidates

7. STEP 2 – Research the Candidates
The Media
Positive: many sources to choose from
Negative: some may be biased so you’ll need to look for FACTS instead of OPINIONS
The Public Record
Positive: there tends to be little to no bias because it is simply what the candidate has DONE, not what they say they’ll do
Negative: some may not have a voting record to show what they’ve done

8. STEP 3 – Learn about their leadership skills & qualifications
Background
Campaign
What kind of jobs have the held?
Do they have a good reputation?
What kind of education do they have?
Do they have any “skeletons in their closets” (secrets) they don’t want anyone to know about?
Do they talk to different groups of people (young/old; rich/poor/middle class; rural/urban)?
Will they debate their opponents?
Do they answer hard questions (and how) or do they avoid them?
How do the talk to the press?

9. STEP 4 – Find Out What Other People Think
Opinion Polls
Endorsements
Contributors
These show people’s opinions about candidates
Good ones will be from neutral sources (not biased) and ask large amounts of people
When an organization or interest group approves of a candidate.
If you agree with that group, you may agree with their approval or disapproval of a candidate
See who’s donating money to a candidate!
Who gives them money can affect how they act in office!

10. STEP 5 – MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION!
Ask yourself (because it is YOUR vote):
Which candidate’s view on the issues do I agree with the most?
Which candidate showed the most knowledge on the issues?
Who ran the fairest campaign?
Who will best represent me and serve my community?
Which candidate has the leadership qualities I want in a candidate?