Access to candidates and solid information equals prepared voters

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BenitoLink continues its Civic Engagement fundraiser as we begin planning for extensive election reporting and election-related information. On Nov. 5, voters will be going to the polls or mailing their ballot to set the county, state and nation on their path for another four years. 

BenitoLink reporter Jenny Mendolla Arbizu was raised in Hollister and has been involved in a couple of our Election Forums. “It’s been beneficial for me as a San Benito County resident to see the candidates in person and see how they interact with the other candidates.” 

Elections in general are always a learning experience but behind the scenes they’re also a huge team effort.

You’re probably aware of our extensive local and state election coverage. But if you’re not, let’s take a look.

Q&A: Candidates from each race receive carefully tailored questions from the BenitoLink team. Their responses are published on BenitoLink and help introduce the candidates to the community ahead of our election forums. 

Election forums: These events are held twice a year on election years and are free to the public. The BenitoLink team invites each candidate to attend and answer questions that are provided by both the public and the newsroom. The forums are held approximately one month prior to the primary and general elections. For those who could not attend, each forum is recorded and the videos are posted on BenitoLink’s YouTube channel.

Fact Check series: Numerous fliers and mailers were sent to residents at the beginning of this election year. Concerned citizens said some of this campaign literature contains misleading or false statements. So we decided to take a deep dive by fact checking them and providing our findings to the public. This type of coverage is detailed, time-consuming work for the reporters, but we have taken it on to make sure the public has accurate information.

Election guide: Each election we provide key information on voting locations, how to register, who is running for office and frequently asked questions. 

Election results coverage: We report on the election results from the time the polls close to when the last vote is counted and a winner is announced.

Reports on campaign financing: We analyze and publish the candidate campaign finances so you can see who is supporting their campaign.

Town Halls: On non-election years, we hold our Town Hall: Report to the County, where we invite elected officials to tell the community what they have been working on. The audience is invited to join in and ask questions of our regional leaders. 

Part of the challenge for BenitoLink reporters is that candidates can be very hard to reach. Some don’t even respond. Arbizu says that people forget that reporters are operating under a tight deadline and want to get articles out so prospective voters have time to digest the information.

She adds that the candidate forum environment helps her decide how she will vote. “They [candidates] don’t have as much time to prepare as they would on social media. Character is always very important for me, and when candidates are in that setting it is more difficult to mask their reactions toward the issues and their opponents.” 

Election season, beginning with the primary all the way through the general, is intense for our small newsroom. It’s a major team effort and a big part of our annual budget. 

From today through June 22, you can make a difference. Our goal is $30,000, and it has been made easier by local supporters who are offering to match your donations up to $10,000. With your support and our coverage, residents can more easily and more confidently take part in San Benito County’s electoral process.

Make a donation so we can continue serving the community with thorough and accurate election coverage.