​How to research school board candidates

 in 5 EASY STEPS!

STEP 1: Find your candidates
Use these options to find school board candidates in your area 
  • Full list of school board candidates across Ohio HERE
  • Voter Guides: OhioVoterGuide.org • Vote411.org • School Board School (Cincinnati area)
  • Local Board of Elections website
    • Find your Board of Elections website HERE
    • Select What’s on My Ballot and enter your address for a list of candidates or a sample ballot


STEP 2: Research your candidates
Use this checklist to research key information about the candidates.
  • Campaign website and social media accounts (LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, etc.)
  • Campaign endorsements and affiliations (IMPORTANT: these can have a strong influence on a candidate’s values)
  • Candidate interviews (visit Vote411.org to read unedited responses to candidate questions)
  • News coverage (TV, radio, newspapers, letters to the editor, blogs, podcasts, candidate profiles, etc.) 
  • Place of employment
  • Resume or curriculum vitae 
  • Lawsuits, litigation, criminal background, registries
  • ​Personal social media accounts and blogs
  • Personal affiliations (boards, committees, memberships, volunteer work, etc.)

​Helpful Considerations
  • What are their values and priorities? What education issues are most important to them?
  • Does the candidate understand the role of the local school board? (Learn more HERE)
  • Would their work, expertise, or experiences add value?
  • What do their endorsements and affiliations reflect about their beliefs?


STEP 3: Attend candidate events ​
Engage with candidates and ask questions at in-person, voter education events
  • Candidate forums, debates, and town halls hosted by nonpartisan groups, including PTO/PTA, League of Women Voters, NAACP, Urban League, Equality Ohio, Chambers of Commerce, etc.
    • Find local candidate forums by entering your address at Vote411.org
  • Meet and Greets hosted by candidates or supporting organizations

TIP: Bring these helpful candidate questions to the events. Take notes on candidate responses, tone, and how they engage or reference other candidates or board members.


STEP 4: Attend school board meetings ​
Attend board meetings to learn about district priorities and issues, and observe incumbent candidates.
  • Find meeting dates and times on your district’s website or call the administration office
  • Watch live and recorded meetings on your district website, YouTube, or other social media
  • Review board meeting documents, including agendas, minutes, proposed policy changes, curriculum updates, and budgets

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STEP 5: Assess candidates & create sample ballot​
​Almost done! Use all of your research to Use all of your research to evaluate and select the best candidates for your district.
  • Make a table comparing  your priorities with the candidates, and select your final candidates (sample chart)
  • Finally, use your final list to create a personalized sample ballot at  OhioVoterGuide.org • Vote411.org
  • ​Bring your personalized ballot with you to vote!
 
​🗳️ LET'S VOTE 🗳️