About Us
First Vote the Issues is a nonpartisan civic education platform created to help voters understand what they’re voting for, why the issues matter, and how to make informed decisions before casting a ballot. The goal is to build a space where learning about democracy feels approachable, factual, and empowering, especially for new or first-time voters. This site simplifies complex topics like government structure, voting processes, and political parties into readable, trustworthy summaries that promote understanding, not division.
What We Do
We break down the key parts of democracy so visitors can learn, explore, and prepare to participate. Through interactive guides and educational tools, visitors can:
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Explore how government works from local to federal levels.
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Read about major issues shaping recent elections, with balanced “what” and “why it matters” explanations.
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Learn about political parties, their histories, and their perspectives on social, economic, and political questions.
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Discover resources on how to vote, including registration steps, voting methods, and election timelines.
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Find reliable news sources and reading materials that encourage critical thinking and civic literacy.
Every section is designed to encourage understanding before opinion, helping citizens think through the issues for themselves.
Nonpartisan Commitment
First Vote the Issues is strictly independent and unaffiliated with any political party, campaign, or advocacy organization. Every topic is presented through verified, publicly available information from multiple perspectives. We do not endorse candidates or legislation. Instead, we focus on explaining the systems, facts, and history behind modern issues so visitors can form their own conclusions. Our commitment is to accuracy, civility, and clarity, not ideology.
Methodology & Sources
Information on this site is drawn from a mix of official government publications, respected nonpartisan organizations, and reputable academic and journalistic sources. Each topic, whether it’s about voting rights, party platforms, or policy debates, is reviewed across several sources to reduce bias and ensure factual accuracy. Historical and data-driven content is regularly updated, and when differing interpretations exist, we note them clearly. Our approach emphasizes transparency, cross-checking, and open access to source material whenever possible.
Privacy, Funding, & Accessibility
First Vote the Issues does not collect personal data beyond what is necessary to improve functionality and visitor experience. We do not sell, share, or use personal information for advertising or political outreach. The site is privately maintained and free to use, with no campaign or partisan funding. Accessibility is central to our mission as pages are designed for readability, mobile use, and keyboard navigation, and written in clear, inclusive language that welcomes readers of all backgrounds and experience levels.
About Me
Hi, I’m Kai Shuler, and I’m 17 years old. I’m a student at Culver Academies, and I created First Vote the Issues as a way to help people, especially new voters like me, understand the heart of democracy before stepping into the voting booth.
As I started learning more about elections, I realized how easy it is to get lost in headlines, social media opinions, or party loyalty. Too often, people vote for a name or a label without really understanding what that choice means for their community or for themselves. I think the first step in becoming an informed voter is learning to understand yourself, your values, your priorities, and what kind of leadership you believe in.
This project came from that idea: that voting shouldn’t be about sides, but about substance. I wanted to create a space where people can see the facts, explore the issues, and think for themselves without all the noise.
My goal is to help build a generation of voters who use their democracy the right way: with open minds, informed opinions, and confidence in their choices. I believe understanding how government works and what the issues really mean gives us a stronger voice, no matter who we are or where we come from.
First Vote the Issues is more than a website to me: it’s a reminder that knowledge is power, and that every informed vote is a step toward a better, more united future.
Contact & Corrections
Transparency and improvement are at the heart of First Vote the Issues. If you notice an error, outdated statistics, or a missing source, please reach out. Corrections are reviewed promptly and cited publicly when updated. You can contact me directly through the site’s contact form or at wshuler@me.com. Your feedback helps keep this project accurate, relevant, and useful to every voter who wants to learn more, one issue at a time.