Our Story
Independent journalism that challenges the status quo. We're committed to delivering uncompromising truth in an era of misinformation.
How We Started
The idea for Before the Ballot started when I was around seven years old. My parents never shied away from political discussions when I was a young girl. They wanted me to have a deeper understanding of the world around me, so any questions I had, they tried to answer.
Because of them, I've always loved politics and the news, and have wanted to be a part of the sphere that shapes American society.
During the 2024 election, I was trying to learn all I could. I had the whole Internet at my disposal, right? Through the mountains and mountains of sites, every article, every click was a whole new wave of information overloading my senses. I scrolled and I scrolled, until I realized that nobody was talking to me.
There was no information talking to someone like me, a teenager, wanting to know more about the decisions and policies affecting my generation. If I couldn’t accurately discern what was real and what wasn’t, how was the average teenager supposed to? More importantly, how was that average teenager supposed to grow up into a voting adult if they didn’t have that understanding? With my peers getting their political information from social media, I wanted to create a space for young people to get political information from someone like them: a teenager wanting to know more.
That is what Before the Ballot aims to do. We cut through the noise, to bring you information based on logic, facts, and truth. Our quizzes, newsletter, and interactives help you figure out where you stand on the political spectrum, so you can make smart, informed voting choices when you come of age. This website isn’t meant to influence you to this side or that one. We’re just here to do our best to help you, before the ballot.
Our Values
The principles that guide everything we do
Accuracy First
Every fact is verified, every source is checked. We never publish without certainty.
Community Focus
We serve our readers, not corporate interests. Your trust is our most valuable asset.
Editorial Independence
No political party, corporation, or special interest group influences our reporting.