The Constituent Polling pledge makes our candidates virtually immune from the usual political smearing by opponents, because they involve their constituents in all of their voting decisions. They are truly non-partisan and represent the interests of liberals, conservatives and all of those in between. 

Constituent Polling pledge candidates can quickly turn debates into situations that traditional politicians have no way to handle. They will end up tongue-tied trying to explain why they don’t poll their constituents before they make voting decisions that can benefit or harm their communities. In contrast, Constituent Polling candidates hold themselves accountable to their constituents every day they are in office.  

Here are some questions to ask when interviewing candidates, or for debating typical candidates that don’t want their constituents involved in any decisions that they make for them to follow and obey. Experienced politicians are adept at avoiding being confronted with issues they don’t want to address, while you charge ahead with tough questions that will make them uncomfortable on the spot.

“How many constituents do you have that can vote in your voting district?” (This would be around 30,000 of those at least 18 years old in an average Chicago ward, and 1.5 million potential voters for the whole city of Chicago.)

(Follow up) “Since you’ve been in office for X years, how many of these constituents have you contacted by any method of communication to learn how they want you to vote on any legislation?”

(Follow up) “Since you have never tried to find out the opinions of any substantial number of your constituents about your legislative (executive) decisions, can you name anyone else that influences your voting decisions, or do you just make decisions based on what you think how your constituents want you to vote?”

“You have given us several ideas related to a number of issues your opponents may agree or disagree with. Have you written legislation that would fulfill your advocacy to implement these ideas? Can you give us current examples of legislation that addresses the issues you support?”

“Your opponent seems to have a very similar idea. Can you tell us how your idea differs from his/hers?”  (Your idea remains undecided, until you make or promote a law that will fulfill it, after you poll your constituents.)

“Can you tell us why you voted for (or against) this bill (x) that spends X dollars of taxpayer money, from our (city, county, state, federal) treasuries?” (Did you ask your constituents to approve your voting decision for it?)

“Why did you vote to approve giving our tax dollars to these (contractors, vendors, etc.), without vetting them to see if they qualify to perform their services?” (You want your constituents to know the name, address, and employer that received their tax dollars and a line item accounting of how they were spent.)

(Incumbent) “You mentioned that you would continue to fight for a number of ideas if reelected, such as X. Since you have been fighting for this idea for X years, can you tell us who you are fighting with? Is it members of your own political Party, or another, that regularly vote against this idea, and who are they?”

“Who among your opponents will you invite to be part of your administration?” (Why would you hire, or not hire them to be involved with the decisions made for your constituents.)