Voting for the first time can be an exciting, empowering experience. But if you head to the polls without doing your homework, the whole thing can also be downright daunting. That’s especially true in California, where voters are typically asked to weigh in on a litany of issues and candidates on both statewide and local races.
The upcoming election on November 4 is no exception: the ballot is thick and dense, with lots of contest that may seem pretty obscure or just plain irrelevant, particularly for young voters. With that in mind, a team of researchers at Youth Radio looked over statewide propositions as well as local measures in Bay Area cities, and picked out the handful of races that were most directly relevant to young voters. They then produced this nifty, interactive guide, boiling down the issues and presenting the pros and cons. Take it with you to the polls (or even use it to find your polling place) . For a more detailed rundown of statewide propositions, also check out KQED’s comprehensive election guide.