Questions to Ask Politicians
Important questions to ask politicians to understand their positions, hold them accountable, and make informed decisions about your vote and civic engagement.
1What are your top three priorities if elected, and how do you plan to achieve them?
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What are your top three priorities if elected, and how do you plan to achieve them?
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Why this works
Understanding their priorities helps you assess if their goals align with your values and if they have realistic plans for implementation.
2How do you plan to address the most pressing issues facing our community?
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How do you plan to address the most pressing issues facing our community?
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Why this works
Learning about their approach to local issues helps you understand how they will serve your community's specific needs.
3What is your stance on [specific issue] and what evidence supports your position?
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What is your stance on [specific issue] and what evidence supports your position?
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Why this works
Understanding their positions on specific issues helps you evaluate their alignment with your values and their ability to support their arguments.
4How do you plan to work with people who disagree with you to find common ground?
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How do you plan to work with people who disagree with you to find common ground?
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Why this works
Learning about their approach to collaboration helps you assess their ability to work effectively in a diverse political environment.
5What experience do you have that qualifies you for this position?
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What experience do you have that qualifies you for this position?
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Why this works
Understanding their qualifications helps you assess their readiness for the role and their ability to handle the responsibilities.
6How do you plan to ensure transparency and accountability in your decision-making?
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How do you plan to ensure transparency and accountability in your decision-making?
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Why this works
Learning about their commitment to transparency helps you understand how they will keep the public informed and accountable.
7What is your approach to managing the budget and ensuring fiscal responsibility?
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What is your approach to managing the budget and ensuring fiscal responsibility?
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Why this works
Understanding their fiscal approach helps you assess their ability to manage public funds responsibly and effectively.
8How do you plan to address the needs of underserved communities in our area?
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How do you plan to address the needs of underserved communities in our area?
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Why this works
Learning about their approach to equity helps you understand their commitment to serving all members of the community.
9What is your position on environmental issues and climate change?
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What is your position on environmental issues and climate change?
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Why this works
Understanding their environmental stance helps you assess their commitment to sustainability and environmental protection.
10How do you plan to improve education and support for students and teachers?
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How do you plan to improve education and support for students and teachers?
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Why this works
Learning about their education priorities helps you understand their commitment to educational excellence and support.
11What is your approach to public safety and criminal justice reform?
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What is your approach to public safety and criminal justice reform?
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Why this works
Understanding their public safety approach helps you assess their commitment to community safety and justice.
12How do you plan to support small businesses and economic development?
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How do you plan to support small businesses and economic development?
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Why this works
Learning about their economic development approach helps you understand their commitment to supporting local businesses and growth.
13What is your position on healthcare access and affordability?
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What is your position on healthcare access and affordability?
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Why this works
Understanding their healthcare stance helps you assess their commitment to ensuring access to quality healthcare for all.
14How do you plan to address infrastructure needs and transportation issues?
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How do you plan to address infrastructure needs and transportation issues?
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Why this works
Learning about their infrastructure priorities helps you understand their commitment to improving community infrastructure.
15What is your approach to housing affordability and homelessness?
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What is your approach to housing affordability and homelessness?
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Why this works
Understanding their housing approach helps you assess their commitment to addressing housing challenges and homelessness.
16How do you plan to engage with constituents and gather public input?
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How do you plan to engage with constituents and gather public input?
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Why this works
Learning about their engagement approach helps you understand how they will stay connected to the community and gather feedback.
17What is your position on voting rights and election integrity?
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What is your position on voting rights and election integrity?
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Why this works
Understanding their stance on voting rights helps you assess their commitment to democratic participation and election security.
18How do you plan to address mental health and substance abuse issues?
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How do you plan to address mental health and substance abuse issues?
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Why this works
Learning about their approach to mental health helps you understand their commitment to addressing these critical community issues.
19What is your approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion in government?
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What is your approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion in government?
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Why this works
Understanding their DEI approach helps you assess their commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable government.
20How do you plan to measure success and hold yourself accountable to the community?
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How do you plan to measure success and hold yourself accountable to the community?
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Why this works
Learning about their accountability measures helps you understand how they will track progress and ensure they deliver on their promises.
Engaging with Political Leaders
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Preparing for Political Conversations
Research Their Background
Learn about their experience, voting record, and previous positions to ask informed questions.
Understand the Issues
Familiarize yourself with current issues and challenges facing your community to ask relevant questions.
Prepare Your Questions
Have thoughtful questions ready that address your concerns and help you make informed decisions.
Types of Political Questions
Policy and Priorities
Leadership and Experience
Community Engagement
Making the Most of Political Engagement
Stay Informed
Keep up with their actions and decisions after the conversation to hold them accountable.
Share Your Views
Be willing to share your own perspectives and concerns to create a mutual exchange of ideas.
Stay Engaged
Continue to participate in civic activities and hold elected officials accountable for their promises.