Is your voting choice affected by political advertising?
I live in a state where the political ads are out of control. Every commercial break is filled to bursting with them. "If you vote for candidate X they’ll continue their job killing agenda." "A vote for proposition Y is a vote for Big Oil." The slogans just go on and on to the point where I have to tune it out for my own sanity.
Personally, I read my voter guide and do my own online research to make my ballot choices. All of these ridiculously expensive commercials are completely wasted on me. In fact, I have less and less respect for the candidates / organizations identified as being behind them. I find their assumptions about my stupidity to be insulting (as if ANYONE decides to vote for job killing bills!).
Anyway, does any else feel the same way? Is anyone using this advertising to make their ballot choices?
I, like yourself, do all my research online (voting records if applicable) and try to stay informed on what candidates stand for what. I talk to so many people who, when describing a candidate or proposition, literally reiterate a commercial that was on the tv. I find it sad that more people base their votes that way as opposed to making an informed vote. This is especially important with the lesser known elections (ie. judicial seats) But the candidates air these commercials based on the assumption that their "registered voters" will vote based on their ads.
Political Campaign Advertising
Tags: advertising, affected, choice, political, voting