Candidates Need to Embrace the Web

Tonight, I spent some time researching the state and local candidates for various lesser-known offices. Unlike a race for Governor, a candidate for something like Regent of the University of Michigan doesn't come immediately to mind. So I had to search the web for information on the candidates. In the process, I discovered that some candidates don't even have a website. And for those that did, the information was usually lacking. I found this very suprising, as the Internet is the great equalizer between candidates. It doesn't cost a lot of money to run a basic website, and the candidate can get their message out in an unfiltered manner. If a candidate doesn't choose to have a good website, then I think that they're really missing an opportunity to reach out to the Gen X and Gen Y voters.

For me, I think the information that belongs on a successful candidate's website includes: Who are you? What do you stand for? What do you want to accomplish in office? What experience do you have that is applicable to the job? Why should I vote for you as opposed to someone else?

Several candidates highlighted the individuals and organizations that had endorsed them, but provided no useful information. Knowing that organization XYZ endorsed a candidate is useless without knowing why they endorsed that candidate. I have found that organizations sometimes endorse (and reject) candidates for reasons that have little to do with their primary advocacy role, such as NRLC vs. Sen. McCain.

Hopefully, candidates will improve their websites over the years, and it will help voters who are trying to be informed citizens.