How to evaluate voting guides

A Practical Guide for Informed Voters in the Texas March Primaries

Every election season brings a flood of information about candidates and issues. In Texas, March primaries are especially consequential because low primary voter turnout means many offices and issues are decided before the November ballot. Voting guides can be a great way to digest complex ballot information in one place, helping voters quickly understand candidates, offices, and issues. 

But not all guides are created equal, and understanding how to evaluate them helps you be a more informed voter.

Voters use guides from local media, nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, and civic platforms to make decisions at the polls. This guide will help you spot bias, recognize trustworthy indicators, and use voting guides wisely so you can cast your ballot with confidence.

Understand What a Voting Guide Is and Is Not

A voting guide is meant to help you learn about:

  • Who is on your ballot (candidates, judicial races, local offices)

  • Ballot measures and constitutional amendments

  • Key dates and rules for voting

Voter education resources like VOTE411 by the League of Women Voters are designed to be nonpartisan and fact-based, simply aggregating candidate responses and election information without advocating for specific outcomes.

But not every guide is neutral. Part of being an informed voter is spotting where a guide is coming from and why it exists.

Red Flags: When to Be Skeptical

Here are things to watch for that may signal bias or persuasion rather than balanced information:

Overt Endorsements or Advocacy

Some guides may mix candidate information with explicit support for a candidate, party, or position on an issue. This is advocacy, not education.

Loaded or Leading Language

Phrases that emotionally charge an issue (“radical,” “dangerous,” “heroic”) rather than describe facts often signal persuasion.

Lack of source transparency

If the guide doesn’t clearly state who published it, their mission, or how information was gathered, it’s hard to judge its reliability.

Selective Information

If a guide shares some candidates’ answers but not others, or highlights certain issues without explaining all sides, it can skew your understanding.

Green Flags: What Trustworthy Guides Share

Here are things to watch for that may signal bias or persuasion rather than balanced information:

Equal Candidate Information

They include all relevant candidates’ responses and do not omit voices to shape a particular outcome.

Sourced Citations

High-quality guides link to original statements, candidate websites, official sample ballots, or public records so you can verify details yourself

Clear, Neutral Presentation

Good guides explain who made the guide, why, and what methodology they used to gather candidate information.

Focus on Facts and Context

Useful guides explain what each office does, how it affects your community, and why issues matter without telling you how to vote on them.

What You Can Do To Be Vigilant

  • Check Multiple Sources
    No one guide tells the whole story. Compare guides from civic nonprofits, trusted local media, and official state election resources like the Texas Secretary of State sample ballots. 

  • Examine Original Answers
    If a guide summarizes a candidate’s quote or policy point, look for the original response or candidate website to confirm context.

  • Use Official Tools Too
    Official sample ballots and state election websites help you confirm who is actually on your ballot and what races matter. These platforms avoid editorializing.

Of course, voting guides are just tools and not a substitute for your own judgment. The best guides help you understand offices, candidates, and issues so you can decide what aligns with your values and priorities.

Taking time to evaluate voting guides critically, regardless of their origin, makes your voice stronger at the ballot box.