Reynolds Fellow Scott Swafford spoke about voters guides and putting together last-minute digests of election information at RJI's "Down-home Democracy: Empowering Citizens With Outstanding Coverage of Local Elections" on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014.

1. VOTER
GUIDES
A FINAL BUT IMPORTANT OPPORTUNITY
TO HELP VOTERS MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS

2. WHAT DO VOTER GUIDES DO?
• They synthesize what’s already been
reported.

3. WHAT DO VOTER GUIDES DO?
• They synthesize what’s already been
reported.
• They help last-second readers learn
quickly.

4. WHAT DO VOTER GUIDES DO?
• They synthesize what’s already been
reported.
• They help last-second readers learn
quickly.
• They allow easy comparisons among
or between candidates.

5. WHAT DO VOTER GUIDES DO?
• They offer a chance to tell voters what
they need to know to participate.

6. WHAT DO VOTER GUIDES DO?
• They offer a chance to tell voters what
they need to know to participate.
• On the web, they can refer readers
back to the volume of information
you’ve published to date.

7. WHAT DO VOTER GUIDES DO?
• They offer a chance to tell voters what
they need to know to participate.
• On the web, they can refer readers
back to the volume of information
you’ve published to date.
• They give you a great opportunity
to rake in some additional advertising.

8. WHAT’S IT TAKE? PLANNING.
• Remember that print needs space.

9. WHAT’S IT TAKE? PLANNING.
• Remember that print needs space.
• Think about whether a special section
is warranted.

10. WHAT’S IT TAKE? PLANNING.
• Remember that print needs space.
• Think about whether a special section
is warranted.
• Collect head-and-shoulders portraits
early.

11. WHAT’S IT TAKE? PLANNING.
• Remember that print needs space.
• Think about whether a special section
is warranted.
• Collect head-and-shoulders portraits
early.
• Recognize that most writing can be
done in advance.

12. WHAT’S IT TAKE? PLANNING.
• Remember to present candidates
consistently, and to focus on the
basics — and the issues.

13. WHAT’S IT TAKE? PLANNING.
• Remember to present candidates
consistently, and to focus on the
basics — and the issues.
• Don’t forget to summarize ballot
measures. Share the actual ballot
language.

14. WHAT’S IT TAKE? PLANNING.
• Remember to present candidates
consistently, and to focus on the
basics — and the issues.
• Don’t forget to summarize ballot
measures. Share the actual ballot
language.
• Tell people where they can get more
information if they want it.

15. VOTER GUIDES ONLINE

16. VOTER GUIDES ONLINE

17. VOTER GUIDES ONLINE

18. VOTER GUIDES ONLINE

19. VOTER GUIDES ONLINE

20. VOTER GUIDES ONLINE

21. VOTER GUIDES ONLINE

22. VOTER GUIDES IN PRINT