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Think Tank Puts Local Election Guide in Cyberspace

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Just in time for the local and national elections, a new on-line computer database gives Santa Monica residents information on officials seeking reelection, their challengers and the issues.

The Center for Governmental Studies, a public policy research organization, has launched the Democracy Network, a Web page offering information on every Santa Monica elected office.

When users type in their ZIP codes, all national, state and local candidates listed on their ballot will appear.

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Candidates are allowed 1,000 word statements on issues that are listed on a grid. In Santa Monica, offices up for election range from positions on the City Council to the rent control board.

The database also includes information on state and federal candidates.

“The purpose is to create an online system that will spur more voter participation and also engagement at the local level,” said Matt Stodder, project director.

Santa Monica was chosen for the pilot project because of its high percentage of computer owners, Stodder said. Other cities will be added later to the database.

On Monday, two political analysts from the center will go online at 7:30 p.m. to answer questions about state propositions.

The Web page address is: www.democracynet.org

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