Vote Smart

Our story

Every day we are bombarded by too much information. Much of it, we would be right to distrust. Misinformation and deception are never far from the headlines. A few decades ago, Americans struggled to have access to information on politics. Today, we struggle with too much and little of it is trusted.

Picture this: a source of trusted information, unbiased and nonpartisan, free to every American every day of every year. Picture this gift being given by ordinary people funding ordinary citizens working to collect, test, verify and share the most valuable facts needed to be a full participant in our democracy.

This is what we do at Vote Smart.

Started over 30 years ago by Presidents Ford and Carter and other political leaders, Republicans, Democrats and independents alike, each leader knew our democracy depends on Americans having the trusted, factual tools needed to resist deception, manipulation and division based on lies and emotional appeals. Our founding president, Richard Kimball, led this effort from the beginning and united leaders, politicians, educators and others to create this special tool for the American people. From Arizona to Oregon to Massachusetts to Montana to Iowa, Vote Smart has done this work longer than any other unbiased project funded by ordinary citizens. When you are ready, head over to see all our voter tools for you to use.

• How did an elected official vote? We have those facts. How did they fund their campaign? We can tell you where they got their money. What is their previous experience to run for office? We’ve got their full resume. Who is endorsing them that you may know? We collect thousands of endorsements by groups across the political spectrum. Where do I vote now that I’m ready? We have all the information needed to vote in all 50 states.

We share our work for free because we are funded by your neighbors.

97% of our support comes from Americans mailing in a check of $250 or less. Nearly 80 cents of every dollar of those donations goes directly to our programs. Not only are our facts trusted, you can trust us with your support. Five stars from Great NonProfits, Platinum Award from Candid and Guidestar, with more awards coming each year – don’t just take our word for it!

P.S. If you’re ever interested in learning more about us, you can reach out to us by email at communications@votesmart.org. You can also call us at 888-Vote-Smart. We are here to help you!