By Avreet Jagdev

As citizens, we have the duty to be civically involved. Civic involvement means staying involved in your community in a way that makes a difference — this can be through political or non-political ways. Examples include volunteering, staying informed on what is going on in your community, and donating to your local food bank. One of the most important aspects of civic engagement is voting.

Voting is an absolute essential part of democracy. It is what gives ordinary people the power to choose who governs them. When you vote, you get to have your voice heard and make a difference in how your community and country are run.

However, with this power can come some pressure. It can be difficult and overwhelming to know who to vote for. So how do you make an informed voting decision?

1. Stay informed

It is important to stay informed, not just during elections, but between them as well. Do your best to have some general knowledge on what is going on in your community, country, and around the globe. When the next election rolls around, you will already have a lot of information to base your vote on.

Staying informed doesn’t have to be stressful! It can be as simple as turning on the news channel when you’re doing your chores, or reading an article on your commute to school.

2. Talk to friends and family

Although some families have the rule of “no politics at the dinner table”, talking to your family and friends can help you decide who to vote for. They might not always share the same views as you, but having discussions (and maybe even debates) on political issues can help develop your own views, which will make it easier for you to make your decision on who to vote for.

3. Do your research

As the election draws nearer, make sure to do your research on the candidates running in your area. Most candidates will have websites where you can read about them and their specific platform. It can also help to watch debates, and read or listen to interviews.

4. Reach out to candidates

If you have specific questions or concerns that a candidate hasn’t touched on in their platform, try reaching out to them! You should be able to find their contact information on their website. Candidates usually have entire teams of people that help answer these questions so that voters can make well-informed choices.

5. Use an online tool like VoteCompass

Some online tools, such as VoteCompass, can help you decide who to vote for by asking you questions and showing you how your answers align with different candidates or parties. If you’re completely stuck, this can be a good place to start!

It can be overwhelming to decide who to vote for, especially when it’s your first time. However, following tips like these can help make the process a whole lot easier.  At the end of the day, remember to vote for someone who represents your values and what matters to you.