Introduction to the Candidate Policy Stand Tool: Simplifying Municipal Election Research
With municipal elections approaching, many voters find themselves seeking clear, accessible information about the positions of local candidates on key policy issues. Recognizing this need, a dedicated community member has developed a free, user-friendly web tool designed to help residents quickly understand where candidates in their city or ward stand on major topics such as housing, transportation, and taxes.
Background and Motivation
During the lead-up to the upcoming election, the creator observed that many candidates had not been actively engaging with voters—many of whom may not have the time or resources to thoroughly research multiple campaign websites. To bridge this information gap, the developer invested weekend hours digging into candidate websites to compile their stances on issues that matter most to their community.
Introducing “Where They Stand”
The result is an innovative online platform accessible at wheretheystand.ca. By selecting your city, specific electoral race (mayor or ward), and policy topic, users can instantly view aggregated statements from all participating candidates on that issue. The tool displays each candidate’s direct quotes from their official websites, complete with links to the original source for further reading.
Features and Functionality
- Personalized Search: Choose your city and election race, then specify a policy area to see relevant candidate positions.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Currently supporting cities including Ottawa, Mississauga, Hamilton, London, Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, and Barrie, with plans to expand based on community interest.
- Source Transparency: Quotes are pulled directly from candidates’ websites, with linked citations to ensure accuracy and allow for further exploration.
- Neutral Presentation: Candidates are displayed in random order without rankings or endorsements—helping users form their own opinions.
- Accessibility: For candidates without official websites, the tool provides contact information from official municipal sources.
Behind the Scenes
The platform leverages AI technology to compile and present candidate statements efficiently. The developer emphasizes that while automation accelerates the process, all content strictly consists of candidate-authored words with proper source attribution. Users are encouraged to verify quotations by visiting original links, acknowledging that automated tools may occasionally err.
Developer’s Commitment
This initiative is a personal project, funded out of pocket, and carried out independently without ties to any political party or candidate. The developer invites community members to share feedback, suggest additional cities for coverage, and help improve the tool’s reach and accuracy.
Conclusion
As the municipal election date nears, this resource aims to empower voters—especially those who may find it challenging to navigate multiple websites or prefer straightforward summaries. By making candidate positions transparent and easily accessible, “Where They Stand” aspires to foster more informed, engaged communities.
Note to Moderators: This post is shared to assist election-related voter education and complies with community guidelines. We appreciate your support in making this resource available to the public ahead of voting day.