Vote Smart is a historic undertaking. Citizens come together, not in selfish interest or to support one candidate over another, but to defend democracy. It is an extraordinary gathering of people committed to one purpose: to strengthen the most essential component of democracy -- access to information.

For over three decades, Vote Smart has proudly served as the United States' most trusted nonpartisan resource for factual political information. Our story began when Presidents Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter, along with more than 40 other esteemed national political figures, came together to launch this initiative. Their shared belief was simple but profound: all Americans should have unfettered access to essential facts about the backgrounds, voting records, issue positions, public statements, and campaign finance sources of any politician or candidate seeking public office.

At Vote Smart, we operate on the principle of openness, integrity, and transparency. We stand firmly against partisan bias and corporate agendas, ensuring that the information we provide is unedited and uncensored. Our mission is to empower every citizen in our democracy with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions.

What makes Vote Smart truly exceptional is our funding model. We rely on the generosity of ordinary Americans who believe in the power of accurate information. Remarkably, 97% of our donations are $250 or less, demonstrating that it's the collective efforts of everyday individuals like you that sustain this vital initiative. Your contributions enable us to offer all our programs freely to every person in our democracy, regardless of their background or financial means.

Join us in our commitment to uphold the democratic principles that America holds dear. Your support and contributions play an integral role in ensuring that every citizen can access unbiased information. Together, we are making a difference by promoting a more informed and engaged democracy.