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 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 Cumberland County, 34,358, or 45 percent of those registered, turned out.
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."
Those behind the electronic voter guide said they plan to update it regularly through Election Day with news clippings and up-to-the minute information. After that, Linky said, Eagleton hopes to make it an annual facet of state politics.
Ingrid Reed, head of Eagleton's New Jersey Project, said the best aspect of the site is that those seeking office were encouraged to write their own biographies, campaign stances and position statements.
The resulting well-organized stew of political information is akin to Internet sites currently pitching cars, real estate and jobs, she added.
Linky said while he is realistic about the site's impact, there is reason to be hopeful.
"I'd be naive to think this Web site alone is going to stimulate people who aren't interested. But it does have potential to reach out to people who may have wanted to participate. Particularly young people," he said.
Occasional holes in information pop up, which organizers attribute to candidates who declined to fill out profiles and campaign stances.
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.
"The political spike might be a wash. But hopefully voter turnout will go up. That's good for democracy."
Quelle: nj.com
