Non-partisan Research Internship
In an age of "fake news" and political hyperbole, voters deserve factual, unbiased information to help them make informed decisions.
Our Internship Program offers positions in one of our six research areas, which provide interns an insider's look into modern day campaigning. Interns work to provide voters with unbiased information by researching and collecting information on the voting records, Issue Positions, Biographies, Special Interest evaluations, and Public Statements of elected officials at both the state and federal level. The work of our interns empowers voters by allowing them to instantly research candidates without worry of misdirection or partisan spin.
In 2018, Vote Smart Researchers delivered factual information on over 40,000 politicians, from all 50 state legislature to the president, to over 11 million users. Vote Smart is highly regarded by all sides as a source for factual and truly nonpartisan info having been cited by hundreds of news outlets nationwide and around the globe!
A great opportunity for anyone looking to start a career in politics, journalism, or data analytics by fostering skills and a deep respect for non-partisan cooperation, objective fact seeking, and big-data handling.
Vote Smart interns work in all areas of Vote Smart's operations including:
- Biographical information, such as committee membership
- Issue Positions for candidates and elected officials
- Legislative Research, to include writing and editing state and Congressional Key Vote summaries, as well as entering and checking vote breakdowns for selected votes
- Evaluations and Ratings by Special Interest Groups
- Public Statements made by members of Congress
Vote Smart interns will:
- Gain valuable experience in a nonpartisan environment
- Build primary and secondary research skills critical to working in a data-driven political era
- Strengthen writing and communication skills
- Apply and expand your learning about the American political system
Ideal candidates will:
- Be able to set aside political beliefs and be objective and nonpartisan while working
- Demonstrate strong research and writing skills
- Have strong attention to details
Intern applicants must submit the following:
- Completed application form, available at http://votesmart.org/internships/application
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Three professional or academic references
For additional information regarding the internship and receiving academic credit, you are encouraged to check out our website and internship program page