Don't believe everything you hear

Folks over at DailyKos are reporting that Republican dirty-tricks operatives are once again trying to suppress the Democratic vote using automated robo-calls to intimidate voters, threatening that they will be arrested if they show up at the polls, or directing them to incorrect polling locations.

For accurate election information, look online for your state government's elections website. In Michigan, www.publius.org will let you verify your voter registration and identify the correct polling location and the candidates running in your district.

The League of Women Voters publishes nonpartisan election guides for each state, online as well as in print. This includes candidates' responses to a small number of policy questions as well as names and party affiliations. Check their "Election 411" webpage for links to local guides.

For more indepth information about whose agenda may lurk behind the freindly face in the television ads, check the Federal Elections Commissions's Campaign Finance Disclosure webpage. Your state government may have something similar. In Michigan, the Department of State hosts an online databases of campaign contributions.