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The nonpartisan organization, which keeps an office at the UA, launched a service that contains information about more than 40,000 candidates and elected officials.

By University Communications
February 20, 2008

Using The University of Arizona campus as a launching ground, Project Vote Smart on Wednesday unveiled its Voter’s Self-Defense System, a free Web-based resource that culminates 16 years of research.

The system contains data on more than 40,000 elected officials and political candidates and was collected by more than 6,000 volunteers. It is one of the most comprehensive sources on all things related to political decisions made by people in office or running for office.

The nonpartisan organization, which opened an office at the UA last year, arrived on campus Wednesday with its 45-foot-long tour bus, which is traveling across the country to inform voters about political candidates.

Situated on the UA Mall, the mobile training center was equipped with Internet-connected computers and a movie theater to screen the political research organization’s documentary “18 in ’08,” which is aimed at young voters, particularly those who reach voting age this year.

The Voter's Self-Defense System contains a collection of information tracking voting records and changes in opinion, campaign finances, how candidates and officials stand on particular issues, ratings by special interest groups and advocacy organizations, speeches, public statements and other data.

“The speeches and public statements program is an invaluable and unique service for citizens around the country,” said Adelaide Elm Kimball, Project Vote Smart board member and senior adviser.

“I don’t know of any other organization that is collecting that information. It is a way to track whether a candidate is being consistent on an issue,” Kimball added.

Project Vote Smart – which has a facility in Montana but was originally founded in Tucson – hosts faculty and student interns who have played a significant role in compiling and analyzing information about the politicians and candidates.

The bus will travel more than 10,000 miles to numerous locations across the United States to “teach voters how to defend themselves against the rhetoric and misinformation that come out of political campaigns today,” according to Project Vote Smart.

The organization’s project is expected to culminate in Washington, D.C. shortly before the general election in November.