120 Questions to Ask a Political Candidate

When you’re ready to vote or discuss politics, understanding a candidate’s stance on important issues can make all the difference.

Whether their priorities align with yours, their plans for addressing local and global challenges, or how their personal values influence their policy decisions, every question you ask reveals more about who they are and what they stand for.

Personal Integrity and Values

1. What core values do you believe are essential for a political leader?
2. How have your personal experiences shaped your political beliefs?
3. Can you give an example of a difficult ethical decision you’ve faced in your career?
4. How do you handle criticism or opposing viewpoints?
5. What measures do you take to ensure transparency in your work?
6. Can you discuss a time when your integrity was challenged and how you responded?
7. How do you plan to build trust with constituents who may doubt your sincerity?
8. What is your stance on political accountability, and how would you implement it?
9. How do you ensure your personal biases do not affect your political decisions?
10. In what ways have you demonstrated your commitment to public service?
11. How do you balance personal beliefs with the needs and beliefs of your constituents?
12. What strategies would you employ to maintain ethical standards within your team?
13. How would you address conflicts of interest in your political role?
14. Can you share your views on leadership and how they influence your political actions?
15. What role does empathy play in your decision-making process?

Policy and Legislative Plans

1. What legislative priorities would you focus on during your term?
2. How do you plan to address economic disparities within our community?
3. Can you outline your healthcare policy proposals?
4. What are your strategies for job creation and economic development?
5. How will you ensure that your policies support marginalized and vulnerable groups?
6. What is your plan for addressing the national debt and fiscal responsibility?
7. How do you intend to tackle educational reform and issues within the education system?
8. What specific policies would you implement to combat climate change?
9. Can you discuss your stance on gun control and public safety measures?
10. How will your policies promote technological advancement and digital inclusion?
11. What measures will you take to protect consumer rights and privacy?
12. How do you plan to enhance national security while respecting civil liberties?
13. Can you explain your approach to immigration and border security?
14. What initiatives would you undertake to improve public infrastructure?
15. How will your policies address issues of racial and social justice?

Socio-Economic Issues

1. How do you plan to address income inequality and ensure fair wages for all?
2. What steps will you take to reduce homelessness and improve access to affordable housing?
3. Can you outline your strategies for supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs?
4. How do you propose to reform social welfare programs for better efficiency and coverage?
5. What actions will you take to address child poverty and ensure every child has access to basic needs?
6. How will you work towards bridging the digital divide and ensuring internet access for all?
7. In what ways will your policies tackle gender pay disparities and promote workplace equality?
8. How do you plan to support the aging population and address pension adequacy?
9. What initiatives do you have in place for promoting sustainable agriculture and food security?
10. How will you address the challenges faced by rural communities in terms of economic development?
11. Can you discuss your approach to supporting mental health and access to mental health services?
12. What measures do you propose to combat drug abuse and rehabilitate affected individuals?
13. How will you enhance access to quality healthcare, especially for underprivileged communities?
14. What strategies do you have to ensure job security and workers’ rights in the face of automation?
15. How do you plan to support cultural and creative industries as part of economic development?

Environmental and Sustainability Commitments

1. How do you plan to integrate sustainable practices into our community’s development plans?
2. What is your stance on renewable energy, and how will you promote its use?
3. Can you outline specific measures to protect local wildlife and preserve natural habitats?
4. How will you address water scarcity and ensure clean water access for all?
5. What actions will you take to reduce carbon emissions at a local and national level?
6. How do you plan to involve the community in environmental conservation efforts?
7. What strategies do you have for managing waste and promoting recycling?
8. How will you ensure that economic development does not come at the expense of environmental sustainability?
9. Can you discuss your policy on managing natural resources and preventing exploitation?
10. What measures would you implement to protect against environmental disasters and climate change impacts?
11. How will you support sustainable agriculture and food systems?
12. What initiatives do you have planned for urban green spaces and public parks?
13. How will you encourage businesses to adopt environmentally friendly practices?
14. What role do you see for environmental education in schools and communities?
15. How do you plan to address transportation emissions and promote clean transport options?

Public Health and Safety

1. What are your priorities for improving public health in our community?
2. How will you address the opioid crisis and substance abuse in our area?
3. Can you outline your plans for mental health services and accessibility?
4. What measures will you take to ensure the safety of public spaces and reduce crime?
5. How do you plan to manage and prepare for future public health crises or pandemics?
6. What is your stance on vaccination and public health initiatives?
7. How will you work to improve access to affordable healthcare for all citizens?
8. What steps do you propose to reduce domestic violence and support victims?
9. How will you ensure the safety of schools and protect children from harm?
10. What are your plans for addressing food insecurity and nutritional health?
11. How do you propose to support the elderly and those with disabilities in the community?
12. What measures will you take to combat environmental pollution and its health effects?
13. How will you ensure first responders and healthcare workers have the resources they need?
14. What initiatives do you have for promoting physical activity and healthy lifestyles?
15. How do you plan to address workplace health and safety issues?

Education and Youth Development

1. What are your top priorities for education reform in our community?
2. How do you plan to support teachers and improve the quality of education?
3. Can you outline your strategies for reducing class sizes and ensuring individual attention for students?
4. What measures will you implement to improve access to early childhood education?
5. How do you intend to address the digital divide and ensure all students have access to technology?
6. What is your approach to vocational and technical education to prepare youth for the workforce?
7. How will you ensure that education funding is equitable and supports underprivileged schools?
8. What initiatives do you have to support extracurricular activities and sports programs?
9. How do you plan to involve parents and the community in the education process?
10. What steps will you take to make college more affordable and accessible?
11. How will you address bullying and ensure a safe environment for all students?
12. In what ways will you support the mental health of students?
13. How do you plan to promote STEM education and critical thinking skills?
14. What is your stance on inclusive education for students with disabilities?
15. How will you support youth entrepreneurship and innovation?

Foreign Policy and International Relations

1. What is your vision for our country’s role on the global stage?
2. How do you plan to strengthen relations with our allies and partners?
3. Can you discuss your approach to international trade and economic diplomacy?
4. What are your strategies for addressing global challenges such as climate change and pandemics?
5. How will you promote human rights and democracy abroad?
6. What is your stance on military interventions and conflict resolution?
7. How do you plan to address refugee crises and international migration?
8. Can you outline your priorities for international aid and development assistance?
9. How will you ensure national security in an increasingly complex international environment?
10. What measures will you take to combat global terrorism and extremism?
11. How do you view the importance of international institutions and multilateral cooperation?
12. How will you address cyber security threats on an international scale?
13. What is your plan for engaging with emerging economies and global markets?
14. How will you approach international environmental agreements and cooperation?
15. What role do you see for cultural exchanges and international education in fostering global understanding?

Civic Engagement and Community Development

1. How do you plan to encourage civic engagement among constituents, especially among the youth and marginalized communities?
2. What specific strategies will you implement to make local governance more accessible and transparent to citizens?
3. Can you share examples of how you’ve successfully facilitated community development projects in the past?
4. What role do you believe community organizations and nonprofits should play in local governance, and how do you plan to support them?
5. How will you address the digital divide to ensure all community members have access to online civic resources and services?
6. What initiatives do you have in mind to promote volunteerism and community service?
7. How do you plan to involve diverse voices in the decision-making processes, particularly those who have historically been underrepresented?
8. Can you outline your approach to revitalizing underserved neighborhoods while ensuring that development is equitable and inclusive?
9. What measures will you take to support local businesses and encourage economic growth within the community?
10. How will you ensure public spaces are safe, accessible, and conducive to community building?
11. What are your plans for improving local infrastructure to meet the needs of a growing population and foster community development?
12. How do you intend to use public art, cultural events, and recreational activities to enhance community engagement and identity?
13. What strategies will you deploy to address housing affordability and homelessness, recognizing their impact on community cohesion?
14. How will you engage with educational institutions to foster a sense of civic responsibility and leadership among students?
15. What is your vision for sustainable community development, and how do you plan to balance economic growth with environmental preservation?

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Final Thoughts

By asking these questions, you’re not only evaluating the candidates but also reflecting on what matters most to you and your community.

Let’s use these insights as a bridge toward more transparent, accountable, and responsive political leadership. Your voice matters, and it begins with a question.