Inform The Vote

Candidate Transparency & Accessibility: Evaluation Criteria

This page outlines what we're looking for to evaluate candidates' transparency and accessibility for public office in Cumberland County. This is meant to show that there is at least some objectivity to our process, whereas the explanations in the 'ratings explanation' buttons on the candidate's pages are a bit more subjective and anecdotal. In other words, we're not just making stuff up, there is a method to the madness. These criteria are designed to reflect modern expectations of campaign communication and public accountability.

Each candidate is assessed across the following six categories:

1. Public Campaign Platform Availability

Does the candidate have a clear, easily accessible campaign platform (e.g., website, structured document, or summary of priorities)?

✅ Full website or structured policy page exists
⚠️ Partial info only (e.g., scattered social posts, surface level campaign messaging, etc.)
❌ No public platform available

2. Response to Direct Outreach

Has the candidate responded to direct requests for participation in interviews, questionnaires, or other forms of civic engagement?

✅ Responded with usable info or scheduled a discussion
⚠️ Acknowledged but did not follow through
❌ No response despite multiple attempts

3. Participation in Public Information Efforts

Has the candidate taken part in centralized, nonpartisan voter education efforts?

✅ Participated in interviews, forums, or info-sharing platforms
⚠️ Limited participation (partisan-only or past campaigns)
❌ No participation observed

4. Accessibility of Public Appearances

Are there regular, advertised opportunities for voters to engage with the candidate in person?

✅ Frequently appears at well-publicized public events
⚠️ Appears occasionally or inconsistently
❌ Rarely or never seen at accessible events

5. Substantive Issue-Based Messaging

Has the candidate expressed clear positions on local issues (e.g., broadband, infrastructure, housing)?

✅ Clearly articulated stances
⚠️ Only general statements or past positions
❌ No identifiable issue-based commentary

6. Campaign Organization and Planning

Does the campaign appear thoughtfully organized and accessible, or does it feel like an afterthought?

✅ Clearly planned outreach with centralized info and early event announcements
⚠️ Some evidence of planning, but disorganized or incomplete
❌ Scattered efforts, no signs of structure or strategy

Well-organized campaigns offer voters a predictable, easy way to access information and engage with events. This isn’t just about checking boxes—it reflects whether a candidate is proactively seeking to inform and engage with the broader community or just relying on the status quo.

Why These Criteria Matter

In 2025, voters expect more than handshakes and slogans. They expect accessible, documented platforms; meaningful participation in civic processes; and issue-based communication that reflects the complexity of not only modern local governance, but the fast-paced, growing, tech-based culture..

Candidates who fall short in these areas aren’t necessarily unqualified, but they leave voters without the tools needed to make an informed decision.

This rating system aims to make that gap visible—and to provide every candidate a clear path to improvement.

Questions about this process? Email us at info@informthevotenj.com