W.Va. offers candidates use of state Web site to make pitches
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — Political candidates in West Virginia have a new, free forum to reach voters with a written profile, photo and three-minute video — a state Web site called “Candid Candidate.”
The feature, the first of its kind in the nation, is intended to get teens interested in politics so they will vote when they turn 18, said Secretary of State Joe Manchin, who is a Democratic candidate for governor.
In his one term as secretary of state, Manchin has visited high schools across the state to encourage voter registration. Teens told him that even if they register, they might not vote.
“They said, ‘We just don’t know people. We don’t really tune in to the news that much. We hear this and that. We never go to rallies where we see a candidate. We never hear them talk or know their position,'” Manchin said.
“How do you communicate with kids today? I have grandchildren. They all know how to get on the computer.”
Although several secretaries of state produce voter guides, West Virginia is the first to offer candidates free “air” time on a state-sponsored Web site, said Kay Stimson, director of communications for the National Association of Secretaries of State in Washington, D.C.
Manchin gave a presentation on the concept at the NAST national conference last month. It was selected by the group’s voter participation committee as a “best practice” and could easily be adapted for use in other states, Stimson said.
The Web site allows candidates for statewide office and the Legislature to write about their personal history, education, work and community experience and their message on any topic. They also can post a three-minute, professionally done video that shows them talking.
“They can’t say anything derogatory about another candidate. The Elections Division monitors that,” Manchin said.
The video must be professionally produced to certain specifications set by Manchin’s office. “It has to be quality enough to where it has a professional look when it goes on. The people deserve to see the best they can,” Manchin said.
The Web site became operational last week.
No candidates have posted a video yet and only three legislative candidates have posted their profiles and photos so far. Manchin said he plans to post his own information and video within the next two weeks.
The only cost to candidates is production of the video. There is no cost to the state.
The Web site may eventually be able to accommodate local candidates, but not this year, said Scott Cosco, director of the West Virginia Shares youth voter registration and civics program.
Cosco said he has been working with several candidates who want to participate.
“We’ve had a lot of interest in it,” Cosco said.
Teachers can use the Web site to talk about politics and could use the information to stage mock elections, Cosco said.
“We hope they use this as much as a learning tool as well as becoming informed voters,” Cosco said.
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On the Net:
Candid Candidates: www.candidcandidates.com