Ballot Decoder

Research toolkit

Each link opens the official or nonpartisan source in a new tab. Enter your address there, not here.

How to read a ballot measure

1. Read the official title and summary, then the nonpartisan analysis (many states publish a voter guide with fiscal impact).
2. Ask what a "yes" does. Wording is sometimes confusing, so decide what you want the law to be, then find which box does it.
3. Check the money. Who gave the most to the Yes and No campaigns often tells you who benefits.
4. Look at who endorses it and who opposes it, and whether they are groups you trust on the topic.
5. Look for the cost. Bonds and tax measures list their annual cost to a typical homeowner.

Checklist before you vote

• Confirm you are registered at your current address and know the registration deadline.
• Decide how you will vote: in person, early, or by mail. Check the request and return deadlines.
• Bring the ID your state requires.
• Read the full ballot ahead of time, including judges and local measures at the bottom.
• Check who represents you: representatives lookup.