310 Questions to Ask a Political Candidate

Ever wondered what to ask a political candidate to truly understand their stance? Dive into these pointed questions to unravel the heart of their campaign and their intentions for governance. Get ready to be an informed voter!

About Their Policy Priorities

1. What are your top three policy priorities?
2. How do you plan to address the national debt and fiscal responsibility?
3. What is your stance on healthcare reform, and what specific changes would you propose or support?
4. How do you intend to address climate change and its potential impacts?
5. What is your plan to improve the education system at both primary and secondary levels?
6. What measures will you take to ensure affordable and accessible higher education?
7. How will you approach tax reform?
8. What strategies do you advocate for to promote job growth and reduce unemployment?
9. How do you plan to address the issue of income inequality?
10. What is your policy on immigration and border security?
11. How will you ensure that our infrastructure (roads, bridges, water systems, etc.) is modernized and maintained?
12. What is your stance on gun control and Second Amendment rights?
13. How will you support veterans and active-duty military personnel?
14. What changes, if any, do you propose for our Social Security system?
15. What is your position on foreign policy, specifically in relation to current global hotspots?
16. How do you propose to tackle the opioid crisis and broader issues of drug addiction?
17. What policies do you have in place to support small businesses and entrepreneurship?
18. How do you view the role of government in regulating big tech companies?
19. What is your plan to address affordable housing and homelessness?
20. How will you ensure that all citizens have equal access to voting?
21. What is your stance on criminal justice reform and police accountability?
22. How will you work to protect the rights of marginalized and minority communities?
23. What is your approach to trade policies and international economic partnerships?
24. How will you address environmental conservation and the protection of our natural resources?
25. How do you plan to tackle cyber threats and bolster national cyber security?
26. How do you view the balance between individual privacy rights and national security?
27. What is your stance on reproductive rights and women’s health?
28. How do you plan to support and improve mental health care access and quality?
29. What policies do you propose to improve urban development and transportation?
30. How will you engage with and listen to the concerns of your constituents throughout your term?

About Economic Development and Job Creation

1. What is your overarching vision for economic development in our region/country?
2. How will you foster a favorable environment for startups and innovators?
3. How do you plan to attract foreign direct investment to our region/country?
4. What sectors do you believe are primed for growth, and how will you promote them?
5. How do you envision technology playing a role in future job creation?
6. What is your strategy for revitalizing rural economies?
7. How will you support industries that have been in decline?
8. How do you plan to address the challenges posed by automation and the changing nature of work?
9. What is your stance on minimum wage, and how do you see it impacting job growth?
10. How do you plan to provide support or retraining for workers in industries facing job losses?
11. What incentives might you propose for businesses to hire locally?
12. How will you ensure that job growth benefits both urban and rural areas equitably?
13. How do you plan to support the gig economy and freelance workers?
14. What is your plan for promoting green jobs and the renewable energy sector?
15. How do you propose to balance environmental regulations with job creation in industries like manufacturing?
16. What policies do you support for export promotion and opening up new markets for businesses?
17. How will you tackle underemployment and ensure people have access to full-time, meaningful work?
18. How do you plan to support women and minorities in the workforce and in entrepreneurship?
19. How will you ensure that economic development doesn’t come at the expense of cultural or community identity?
20. Do you see a role for public-private partnerships in economic development, and if so, how would you structure them?
21. How would you foster a relationship between local universities and businesses to ensure job-ready graduates?
22. What measures will you implement to ensure that companies are investing in employee growth and development?
23. How do you view the balance between deregulation for business growth versus protecting workers and consumers?
24. How do you intend to support and expand digital infrastructure, given its importance in today’s economy?
25. What role do you see for tourism in our economic development, and how will you support and grow it?
26. How will you measure the success of your economic development policies?
27. How do you propose to increase access to capital for small and medium-sized businesses?
28. How will you address disparities in economic opportunities among different regions or demographics?
29. How do you plan to use economic development as a tool to reduce poverty?
30. What role do you believe local governments and communities should play in driving economic development, and how will you support their initiatives?

About Healthcare

1. What is your overall vision for healthcare in our country?
2. How do you plan to make healthcare more affordable for the average citizen?
3. What are your views on universal healthcare?
4. How will you address the rising cost of prescription drugs?
5. What is your stance on mental health coverage and its inclusion in insurance plans?
6. How do you plan to improve access to healthcare in rural areas?
7. What are your plans to support and expand preventative care initiatives?
8. How do you view the current state of our healthcare infrastructure, and what improvements would you suggest?
9. How will you address the shortage of healthcare professionals in certain areas or specialties?
10. What role do you see for telemedicine in the future of healthcare?
11. How will you ensure healthcare accessibility for marginalized and underserved populations?
12. What is your plan to combat the increasing rates of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease?
13. How do you propose to support and regulate medical research and innovation?
14. How will you approach issues surrounding end-of-life care and patient autonomy?
15. What policies do you support regarding reproductive health and family planning?
16. How will you work to ensure that healthcare policies are inclusive of LGBTQ+ needs and rights?
17. What are your views on alternative medicine and its place in the healthcare system?
18. How will you address the issue of medical malpractice and patient safety?
19. How do you plan to integrate technology and data to improve patient care?
20. What is your stance on vaccination policies and public health campaigns?
21. How do you propose to support families with children having special needs or rare diseases?
22. How do you plan to address the opioid epidemic and substance abuse treatment?
23. How will you work to improve healthcare outcomes for ethnic and racial minorities?
24. What is your vision for the future of health insurance in our country?
25. How do you intend to promote healthy lifestyles and wellness initiatives?
26. What role do you believe the private sector should play in healthcare?
27. How will you ensure the protection of patient data and privacy?
28. How do you propose to regulate and support the growing home healthcare industry?
29. What measures will you take to address the challenges of aging populations and geriatric care?
30. How do you plan to collaborate with global health organizations and initiatives?
31. What strategies do you have in place to respond to potential health crises or pandemics in the future?
32. How do you intend to support pediatric health and the unique needs of children?
33. What is your approach to addressing issues surrounding organ donation and transplantation?
34. How do you plan to address dental and vision care in the broader context of healthcare?
35. What policies will you put in place to ensure transparency in hospital billing and medical fees?
36. How will you handle controversial treatments and procedures, such as stem cell research or assisted suicide?
37. What are your views on medical education and training, and how do you plan to support it?
38. How do you intend to tackle issues related to health and environmental factors, like clean water and air quality?
39. How do you view the balance between patients’ rights to access and potential overmedicalization?
40. How will you engage with and listen to healthcare professionals, patients, and advocates in shaping healthcare policies?

About Education Reforms and Funding

1. What is your overarching vision for education reform in our country?
2. How do you propose to address the achievement gap among students of different socio-economic backgrounds?
3. What are your plans to modernize outdated curricula to make them relevant for the 21st century?
4. How will you ensure equal access to quality education for students in both urban and rural areas?
5. What measures will you take to increase teacher pay and improve teacher retention rates?
6. How do you view the role of standardized testing in our education system?
7. What steps will you take to ensure special education students receive the resources and support they need?
8. How will you address the rising costs of tertiary education and student loan debt?
9. How do you propose to fund schools equitably, ensuring that all students have access to adequate resources regardless of their location or district?
10. How will you support the integration of technology and digital literacy in classrooms?
11. How do you plan to address the physical and mental well-being of students within the educational system?
12. What policies do you propose for supporting non-traditional learners and adult education?
13. How do you view the role of arts, physical education, and extracurricular activities in a comprehensive education system?
14. How will you promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education in schools?
15. How do you plan to support and fund early childhood education programs?
16. What are your views on school vouchers and school choice?
17. How will you ensure that schools are safe environments free from bullying and discrimination?
18. How do you propose to engage parents and communities more effectively in the education process?
19. What steps will you take to support and improve the professional development of educators?
20. How do you view the balance between local control of schools and national or state-level mandates?
21. What role do you see for private and charter schools in the overall education ecosystem?
22. How will you ensure transparency and accountability in how education funds are spent?
23. What steps would you take to address the challenges faced by schools in high-poverty areas?
24. How do you propose to prepare students for both college and careers?
25. What measures would you support for multilingual and ESL (English as a Second Language) students?
26. How will you promote inclusivity and diversity in curricula and school activities?
27. How do you view the importance of teaching critical thinking and civic education in schools?
28. What are your plans for supporting gifted and talented programs?
29. How do you propose to collaborate with higher education institutions to ensure a seamless transition for students from secondary to tertiary education?
30. What policies would you advocate for in terms of infrastructure improvements for aging school buildings?

About Climate Change and Environmental Policies

1. What is your stance on the current scientific consensus regarding climate change?
2. How do you plan to integrate the fight against climate change into national economic and development policies?
3. What specific targets or milestones do you aim for in terms of greenhouse gas emissions reductions?
4. How do you propose to support and expand the renewable energy sector?
5. How do you intend to address the challenges and potential job losses in traditional energy sectors like coal and oil?
6. What is your position on the different international climate accords?
7. How do you plan to support local communities, especially those in vulnerable areas, in adapting to climate change impacts?
8. How will you ensure that the transition to greener technologies is both just and inclusive?
9. What measures do you advocate for to protect our country’s biodiversity and natural habitats?
10. How do you plan to address deforestation and support sustainable agriculture?
11. How will you approach water conservation and clean water access issues exacerbated by climate change?
12. How do you propose to regulate and reduce single-use plastics and other waste?
13. What is your stance on fracking and offshore drilling?
14. How do you envision transportation policies evolving to combat climate change, especially concerning electric vehicles and public transit?
15. How will you ensure corporate responsibility in terms of environmental sustainability?
16. What role do you see for reforestation and carbon sequestration initiatives?
17. How do you propose to fund and support climate change research and innovations?
18. How will you engage and educate the public on the importance of climate action and environmental preservation?
19. What policies will you implement to address air quality and pollution in urban areas?
20. How do you intend to balance economic growth with environmental conservation?
21. How will you ensure environmental justice, especially for communities disproportionately impacted by pollution and climate change?
22. How do you propose to address overfishing and protect marine ecosystems?
23. What is your strategy for promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns?
24. How do you view the role of national parks and protected areas in climate and environmental strategies?
25. What measures will you take to prevent and mitigate the impacts of natural disasters linked to climate change?
26. How will you promote international collaboration on climate change solutions and knowledge-sharing?
27. How will you ensure the protection of endangered species and their habitats?
28. How do you plan to engage with indigenous communities and integrate their knowledge and rights into environmental policies?
29. How will you handle relationships with big corporations known for large carbon footprints?
30. How do you plan to incentivize greener practices in the construction and housing sectors?

About Social Justice and Civil Rights

1. How do you define social justice, and why do you believe it’s important for our country?
2. What measures will you take to address systemic racism and discrimination?
3. How do you plan to ensure equal rights and protections for LGBTQ+ individuals?
4. How will you approach issues related to women’s rights, including gender pay gaps and reproductive rights?
5. What are your views on criminal justice reform, including topics like prison privatization, sentencing reform, and police accountability?
6. How will you ensure the protection of indigenous rights and address historical injustices faced by indigenous communities?
7. How do you plan to address the rights and needs of persons with disabilities?
8. What steps will you take to protect freedom of speech and freedom of the press?
9. How do you propose to reform the immigration system and address the concerns of undocumented individuals?
10. How will you work to combat hate crimes and extremist ideologies?
11. What measures do you advocate for to address housing discrimination and ensure fair housing for all?
12. How will you ensure that voting rights are protected and barriers to voting are eliminated?
13. How do you plan to approach issues of economic inequality and wealth disparity?
14. How will you support and protect religious minorities and ensure freedom of religion?
15. How do you view the current state of educational equity, and what steps would you take to improve it?
16. What policies do you propose to address issues of environmental justice, ensuring that marginalized communities aren’t disproportionately affected by pollution and environmental hazards?
17. How do you plan to ensure that all citizens have equal access to quality healthcare?
18. What are your views on affirmative action and other similar policies aimed at redressing historical injustices?
19. How will you address the concerns and rights of refugee and asylum-seeker communities?
20. How do you propose to combat gender-based violence, both legally and culturally?
21. How will you work with communities to rebuild trust in law enforcement?
22. How do you plan to protect the rights of the elderly, especially against discrimination and abuse?
23. How will you address issues of LGBTQ+ discrimination in workplaces, housing, and healthcare?
24. What is your stance on data privacy rights and the surveillance of citizens?
25. How do you plan to support youth activism and engage younger generations in conversations about social justice?
26. How will you ensure representation and inclusivity in government appointments and positions?
27. What are your views on reparations for historical injustices?
28. How will you work to promote a culture of tolerance, understanding, and unity among diverse groups?
29. What measures will you take to ensure equal pay for equal work across all demographics?
30. How do you propose to engage with and listen to voices from marginalized communities in shaping social justice and civil rights policies?

About National Security and Foreign Relations

1. What is your overarching philosophy or approach to national security?
2. How do you view the current balance between individual privacy rights and national security requirements?
3. What are the primary threats you perceive to our nation’s security, and how do you plan to address them?
4. How do you propose to combat cyber threats and enhance cybersecurity?
5. What is your stance on our country’s defense budget and military spending?
6. How do you envision the future of our nation’s alliances and treaty obligations?
7. What are your views on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation?
8. How will you approach issues of terrorism, both domestic and international?
9. What is your perspective on the role of intelligence agencies, and how would you ensure their accountability?
10. How do you plan to support veterans and address the challenges they face?
11. What is your strategy for handling trade relations and agreements with other nations?
12. How will you address the challenges posed by non-state actors and transnational networks?
13. How do you see our nation’s role in international organizations like the United Nations?
14. What are your views on the use of economic sanctions as a tool of foreign policy?
15. How will you approach relationships with authoritarian regimes versus democracies?
16. How do you envision our nation’s responsibility towards international humanitarian crises and interventions?
17. What is your plan to address issues related to espionage and counterintelligence?
18. How do you propose to handle conflicts of interest between national security and economic interests?
19. What are your views on immigration in the context of national security?
20. How do you see the future of our relationship with major global powers?
21. How will you approach military interventions and the use of military force abroad?
22. What are your strategies for promoting peace and diplomacy in conflict-prone regions?
23. How do you propose to engage with international partners on global challenges like climate change, pandemics, and nuclear proliferation?
24. What is your stance on arms sales to foreign nations and entities?
25. How do you plan to address the potential security implications of emerging technologies?
26. What is your strategy to ensure energy security for our nation?
27. How will you balance domestic concerns with international obligations in foreign policy decisions?
28. How do you propose to handle issues of state-sponsored propaganda and information warfare?
29. What are your views on international development aid and its role in foreign policy?
30. How will you ensure that human rights considerations are integrated into our foreign relations and security strategies?

About Their Core Values and Principles

1. What core values guide your decisions as a political leader?
2. How would you define your moral compass, and how has it evolved over the years?
3. What life experiences have most profoundly shaped your beliefs and values?
4. How do you handle conflicts between your personal beliefs and the demands of your constituents?
5. What do you believe is the fundamental role of government in people’s lives?
6. How do you prioritize the needs of the many versus the rights of the individual?
7. What are your views on the principle of equality, and how do you define it?
8. How do you approach compromise, especially when it might challenge your core principles?
9. Who are your role models or mentors, and how have they influenced your values?
10. How do you handle feedback and criticism, especially when it comes from within your own party or supporters?
11. What is your stance on the importance of transparency and honesty in politics?
12. How do you ensure you stay grounded and connected to the everyday experiences of your constituents?
13. How do you approach issues that are ethically or morally ambiguous?
14. What do you believe is the greatest virtue a leader should possess?
15. What is your perspective on loyalty, both in terms of your party and personal relationships?
16. How do you differentiate between what is legal and what is ethical, and how do you prioritize the two?
17. How do you view the relationship between wealth and power, especially in the context of political responsibility?
18. How do you ensure that you keep learning and growing as a person and a leader?
19. What role does empathy play in your decision-making process?
20. How do you approach situations where you might have to admit you were wrong or change your stance?
21. What are your views on the importance of diversity and inclusion in leadership and governance?
22. How do you prioritize short-term needs against long-term values and principles?
23. What is your perspective on the balance between tradition and progress?
24. How do you view the role of faith or spirituality in your life and leadership?
25. What is your belief about the role of personal sacrifice in public service?
26. How do you define integrity, and how do you ensure you uphold it?
27. What are your views on the principle of justice, both socially and legally?
28. How do you approach issues of trust, both in earning it and maintaining it?
29. What is your perspective on the value of resilience in the face of adversity?
30. How do you plan to ensure that your core values and principles remain consistent in the changing landscape of politics?

About Infrastructure and Urban Development

1. What is your vision for the future of our country’s infrastructure?
2. How do you prioritize which infrastructure projects to fund and support?
3. What strategies do you propose to modernize our aging transportation infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and tunnels?
4. How do you view the role of public transportation in urban development, and how would you improve it?
5. How will you ensure that infrastructure development is sustainable and environmentally friendly?
6. How do you plan to address the housing crisis and ensure affordable housing for all citizens?
7. What measures do you propose to support the development of smart cities and integrate technology into urban planning?
8. How do you intend to handle the challenges posed by urban sprawl?
9. How will you ensure that infrastructure projects create jobs and stimulate local economies?
10. What is your stance on private sector involvement and public-private partnerships in infrastructure development?
11. How do you plan to make our cities more pedestrian-friendly and promote alternative means of transportation, such as biking?
12. How will you address the digital divide and ensure access to high-speed internet for all areas, urban and rural alike?
13. What strategies do you have for water management, ensuring clean water supply, and dealing with issues like flooding in urban areas?
14. How do you envision integrating green spaces and parks into rapidly developing urban environments?
15. How do you propose to revitalize decaying urban areas and ensure the preservation of historic sites?
16. How will you address transportation challenges in rapidly growing cities, including congestion and pollution?
17. How do you plan to support local businesses and economies during major infrastructure upgrades or urban development projects?
18. How will you ensure that urban development projects are inclusive and cater to the needs of all residents, including marginalized groups?
19. How do you view the role of renewable energy in future infrastructure projects?
20. What strategies do you propose to ensure the safety of infrastructure, especially in regions prone to natural disasters?
21. How will you ensure that urban development projects do not exacerbate economic disparities or lead to gentrification?
22. How do you plan to involve communities and local stakeholders in decision-making processes related to infrastructure and urban development?
23. What is your approach to waste management and recycling in urban settings?
24. How do you envision the future of mobility in cities, considering emerging technologies like autonomous vehicles?
25. How will you address infrastructural needs in rural areas to ensure they aren’t left behind in national development efforts?
26. What are your views on building infrastructure for future-proofing against climate change impacts?
27. How do you intend to fund major infrastructure projects without overburdening taxpayers or increasing national debt?
28. What measures will you take to improve air quality in urban areas, especially concerning transportation emissions?
29. How do you plan to address the challenges posed by rapidly growing populations in urban centers?
30. How will you ensure transparency and accountability in the allocation and spending of funds for infrastructure projects?

About Their Campaign Financing and Ethical Considerations

1. How is your campaign financed, and what is the breakdown between individual donations, PACs, and self-funding?
2. What measures are in place to ensure transparency in your campaign’s financial dealings?
3. How do you address potential conflicts of interest with donors who might have business or policy interests?
4. What is your stance on campaign finance reform, and how would you propose to change the current system?
5. How do you ensure that your campaign abides by all campaign finance laws and regulations?
6. Have you ever returned a donation? If so, under what circumstances?
7. How do you differentiate between political donations and potential influence buying?
8. What are your views on Super PACs, and how do they influence politics?
9. How do you plan to mitigate the appearance or actuality of quid pro quo with campaign contributors?
10. What percentage of your campaign funds come from small-dollar donors?
11. How do you ensure that your campaign advertisements and communications are truthful and not misleading?
12. How do you handle contributions from controversial figures or entities?
13. How much influence do your largest donors have on your campaign strategies or policy positions?
14. What is your position on public financing of campaigns?
15. How do you feel about disclosing the names of all major donors to your campaign?
16. What measures are in place to prevent foreign interference or contributions in your campaign?
17. How do you ensure that campaign events, especially fundraisers, are accessible to all constituents, not just major donors?
18. What is your campaign’s policy on accepting funds from corporate PACs?
19. How do you view the role of money in politics, and how do you think it impacts democracy?
20. Are there any industries or sectors from which you refuse campaign donations?
21. How does your campaign approach grassroots fundraising and engagement?
22. What are your views on dark money and its influence on political campaigns?
23. How would you ensure that the policies you advocate for aren’t unduly influenced by your campaign’s financial backers?
24. Have you ever faced an ethics investigation related to campaign financing? If so, how did you address it?
25. How do you plan to stay accountable to your constituents, especially regarding financial commitments and promises made during your campaign?
26. How do you educate and ensure your campaign staff understands and adheres to campaign finance laws and ethical considerations?
27. What is your position on the revolving door between political campaigns and lobbying?
28. How do you maintain a separation between your campaign’s financial interests and your personal financial interests?
29. How would you react if a major donor asked for special access or favors?
30. How do you think the campaign financing system should evolve to better serve the public interest and the democratic process?

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I ensure my questions are unbiased and non-partisan?

Stick to the facts and avoid loaded language. It’s essential to approach the conversation with genuine curiosity rather than an attempt to corner or confront the candidate. Remember, the goal is to gather information, not for the sake of challenge.

How can I ensure the answers I get are not just rehearsed campaign lines?

Craft questions that require specific examples, data, or detailed plans rather than general opinions. Asking a candidate to expand on or clarify certain points can also lead to more genuine responses.