Here's an example of a questionnaire used by local organizers in New Mexico.

"Our PAC was getting a lot of inquiries from campaigns who wanted our endorsement. And since we don't go around handing them out like candy, we created a questionnaire to help us distinguish which candidates truly shared our values, from those who's primary object was to pay their (young) constiuents lip service. This particular questionnaire is longer than most typically are (and probably should be). We definitely had several complaints about it's length, but we maintained our position that anyone wanting to represnt us, should actually know a little something about the areas we touched on."

- Charlotte Chinana, NM organizer

The NM League of Young Voters PAC

Civil Service Exam 2006 

For Candidates Who Hope To Represent Us

Thank you for taking the time to complete this questionnaire! The deadline for submission is Friday, Septermber 15, 2006.* Please email responses to:  albuquerque (at) indyvoter (dot) org, and cc to chariotte (at) indyvoter (dot) org. You may also send a hard copy in the mail (see return address on envelop). If you have any further questions, concerns, or would like an electronic file of this questionnaire, please feel free to email us at either or the aforementioned email addresses.

*Candidates who wish to participate but need more time to complete this questionnaire may request an extension. Please do so no later than noon (12pm) Friday, Septermber 15, via email or phone. Thank you!  

 

Bio Info:

• Name:
• Date of Birth:
• Where are you from?
• Office Seeking:
• Occupation:
• Education:
• Community Involvement:
• General contact info for your campaign headquarters:
• Web Address:

   

The responses provided by you/your campaign, will be used to determine the League of Young Voters PAC recommendations and/or endorsements. The League creates and distributes voter guides; your answers may also be made available to the general public for educational purposes. Please spell-check and proof read your answers before submitting this questionnaire. Thank You, and have a great day!

General Questions

• Why should young people be excited to vote for you?
• In your opinion, what are the top three major issues facing the district you wish to represent? What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?
• What are the biggest issues and needs facing the youth of your district? What will you do to address those needs?
• From your prospective, what is the job description of the office you're seeking? What expertise will you bring to the position?
• Do you feel that the average citizen is well-informed and understands the workings of (federal/state/municipal) government? If not, how do you intend on improving communication with your constituency?
• Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they effected you?
• Is there something that you are currently working to improve and develop within yourself to become a better leader?

   

Once in office...

Education

• What policies will you implement to make sure good teachers are paid proper wages and retained in New Mexico?
• How do you plan on improving the learning conditions for New Mexico's students?
• What is your stance on the No Child Left Behind Act? (For, against--why/why not?)
• Should ANY group(s) be given access to a student's personal school records? 
• Do you support comprehensive sex education for teenagers in school? Why/why not?

   

Transportation

• How do you plan on sustaining and improving our public transportation system?
• Do you support initiatives like the Spaceport in southern New Mexico?
• Do you see the need for extending the Rail Runner service throughout the state?

   

Environment

• What is your vision for sustainable development? Please also tell us what policies you will implement to move your community closer to this vision of growth.
• Would you support initiatives to address disparities in regard to environmental justice issues? (Like the disproportionate amount of industrial areas and waste treatment in minority communities). If so, what would they be?
• Do you feel that New Mexico has a good energy strategy with our dependence on coal? Why or why not?
• Do you support state and municipal governments signing onto the Kyoto Protocol? Why or why not?
• In your office, what policies will you implement or support to help wean us off of foreign oil? 

   

Health

• Do you support auto-closure for Medicaid enrollees?
• Do you support recent changes to Medicaid eligibility due to the Deficit Reducation Act?
• Do you support intiatives that would mandate residents to obtain health insurance?
• In your opinion, what is the single most important way we can improve our current Healthcare system and why? 
• Do you support or oppose the Supreme Court's decision regarding Roe vs. Wade?
• What is your stance on decriminalization of medical marijuana?

Economic Development

• What would you like to see the Minimum Wage be, and why?
• What initiatives would you recommend to increase econmonic opportunity in your community?
• How will you balance this necessity with the need to attract businesses willing to make a long-term investment? 

   

Tribes

• Do you believe that Native American tribes have always been sovereign nations? If so, how, in your office, would you work with tribal governments in a true government-to-government relationship?
• How would you support tribes to create viable economic opportunities for their tribal members?
• How will you support tribes' initiatives to integrate western educational goals while still supporting the needs of their cultures?

   

Crime

• Do you support the Death Penalty? Why or why not?
• Do you support the privitization of prisons? Why or why not? 
• What do you think we can do to prevent and reduce crime in our communities?
• What, in your opinion, is an effective criminal justice system? And how can we create this system? 

   

Security & Foreign Policy

• Do you support the Patriot Act? Why or why not? And if not, what would you like to see changed?
• What initiatives would you like to implement to help reform immigration policy? Do you support measures such as biometric identification cards or border fences?
• Do you support the war in Iraq? What's your stance on the US' continued presence in Iraq?
• What is your position on US policy in regard to Israeli/Arab relations?
• Every elected office plays a part in veterans' readjustment when they return home. How can we help young soldiers readjust and thrive after returning from war?