Here are a few of our favorites:
Progressive Punch is a non-partisan searchable database of Congressional voting records from a Progressive perspective. You can search the site by the Congressperson's name or by one of their 125 different issue categories, and receive detailed vote descriptions about how progressive members of Congress are along the issues that matter to you. This site is excellent for zeroing in on a particular issue and getting fast information on who has been supportive (and who hasn't). Check out Progressive Punch at www.voterpunch.org.
Project Vote Smart provides a comprehensive database about thousands of candidates and elected officials for President, Congress, Governors and State Legislators. Less detailed information is available at the county and local level for each state. Project Vote Smart is a national non-partisan organization founded in 1992 by such national leaders as former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford, former U.S. Senators Barry Goldwater and George McGovern, and former U.S. Representatives Newt Gingrich and Geraldine Ferraro. Project Vote Smart is online at www.vote-smart.org.
Public Agenda is an independent non-profit public opinion research site, dedicated to providing thought-provoking research on important policy issues of the day. Public Agenda Issue Guides provide facts and figures, different perspectives and analysis of public attitudes in order to better understand controversial issues. This is an excellent resource to gain an understanding of an issue from all sides before exploring a candidate's position on that issue. Find our more at www.publicagenda.org.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Check out their extensive "get educated!" section, which, like Project Vote Smart, allows you to search for information on candidates in federal and state races, compare them on the issues, and inform your decision. The League of Women Voters is at www.lwv.org.