If I could ask you to do one thing this year, it would be to try what we call "Ballot Builder," a service on that makes it easy for you to find out about the candidates and issues on your November election ballot.

Journalism is changing. We all know that. I hear the critics sniping that it's changing for the worse. And when I see the Today show's Matt Lauer touting his "exclusive" interview with an "attractive" female teacher who had sex with a 14-year-old student, believe me, I know what they're talking about.

But it's too easy in the din to miss the promising sounds journalists are producing today, notes that would have been impossible to hit just a few short years ago.

They started months ago by brainstorming about what people would want to see on our Web site on Election Night and what they would want or need to know to make a good decision when they cast their vote.

Go to and sign on to Ballot Builder. Registering is quick and makes it so you can come back to learn more whenever you want. All we need is your address and you're on your way.

Step 2 involves making sure we have you in the right district, say for the state House or Senate. No need to worry if you don't know the answer. We've got Google maps that show where your residence is in relation to district boundaries.

Step 3 is where the fun begins. Here we ask you to answer questions about your political positions - the same questions we've asked political candidates. Later we'll match your answers with theirs so you can see how they compare.

with one issue that's a litmus test. We've got a feature called "Get specific" that allows you to find out what those wanting your vote think about that issue.

If you want to know more, from your ballot you can click on a candidate profile and read an extensive biography, everything from offices held and education to the kind of car they drive and whether they have a concealed weapons permit. You can read their answers to key questions, such as "why are you running" and "describe your energy vision for Colorado over the next 20 years." The page will tell you where they stand on hot political questions, the same ones you answered, but it will also include explanations they offered for their positions. An "In my own words" feature lets them speak directly to you. And the "Campaign Finance" feature lets you find out where their money is coming from, in some cases in great detail. And finally, every candidate profile page also includes a link to their opponent.

information about candidates and issues without signing up for Ballot Builder. But if you want to be able to compare your views with those of the candidates and print out your own ballot to take to the polls, you need to register.

If you do, on Election Night you'll be able to see how your candidates fared because the results of every race will be reflected on your computerized ballot.

It's an example of how the Web has enabled newspapers to provide a range of new political offerings. Another is our daily political blog, The Stump, a lively compendium of tidbits on Colorado politics.

In this new era, the newspaper can provide even more depth and immediacy in its political coverage if it takes advantage of new technology. And that's what we're trying to do.

The Ballot Builder prioritizes the candidates based on your answers to two brief surveys. The ballot is printable to take along when you vote, and on Election Night you'll be able to compare your ballot to the night's winners and losers.

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