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Online election tools give voting information, help track campaign spending

by BBJ Staff
Filed on 23. Jul, 2012 in News & Features

With Whatcom County primary ballots on their way, a number of online tools are available to help voters.

The League of Women Voters of Washington, a nonpartisan political group advocating public involvement in government, has launched what it calls a “one-stop-shop” for statewide election information: Vote411.org.

The website contains a variety of election tools.

“Candidate information, voting tips, voter registration and much more are available at your fingertips,” said Linnea Hirst, the group’s co-president, in a press release. “You can enter your address, see everything that will be on your ballot and easily compare candidates. It’s convenient, easy and invaluable for voters who want reliable information about voting in Washington.”

In addition, the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission has several instruments voters can use to track campaign spending.

The PDC’s money maps show the top money-raising counties for campaigns for the governor’s race and statewide initiatives. The commission has also formulated a series of charts showing campaign contributions from individuals, business and political action committees—or PACs.

Those and other tools can be found on the PDC’s website.

The primary election this year is Aug. 7, while the general election will be held on Nov. 6. Whatcom County’s mail-in ballots need to be dropped off at a designated ballot drop site or postmarked by each election’s date.

More information is online at the Whatcom County Auditor’s website.

Read more about: 2012 Election, Elections, General election, government, League of Women Voters, Primary election, Public Disclosure Commission, Voter registration, voting, Whatcom County