A Rutgers University group unveiled an online clearinghouse for political information in the Garden State. Citing polling data that as much as one-third of the electorate is unaware which of 40 state legislative districts they live in, students and faculty at Rutgers Eagleton Institute of Politics created the www.njvoterinfo.org site. By entering their hometown, potential voters will be able to find out which candidates are running in the district and their stances and find short, non-partisan explanations of major issues.
Data posted includes information about Republicans, Democrats and independent candidates.
"There is a sort of lack of basic information in New Jersey about the political process," said Don Linky, who is in charge of Eagleton's e-government project. "We tried to make it a one-stop place to look for information." According to state election records, 2.27 million, or 49 percent, of the state's 4.6 million registered voters cast a ballot in the 2001 gubernatorial election.
In Gloucester County, 71,473, or 48 percent of voters, did their civic duty that year.
Those numbers reflect the last gubernatorial election. Traditionally, turnout dips in years without a high-level office leading the ticket such as the 2001 matchup between Gov. James E. McGreevey and Republican Bret Schundler. Pundits are predicting low turnout this year.
"I don't think it will help Republicans or Democrats. But it will help us all," said Chris Obudho, political director for the Republican State Committee. "It's kind of disturbing and disheartening to see year after year fewer people exercise the right to vote. A lot of people, Republicans and Democrats, work very hard to share their message."
Democrats said there may be a slight spike from increased information, but were doubtful of the site's impact on political control in the Legislature.
"More people are starting to use the Internet now. It helps them to have these kind of resources," said Adam Green, spokesman for the Democratic State Committee.
Quelle: Today's Sunbeam
