How We Rate Candidates
Every candidate gets a light. The question behind it is simple: does this person put America first? That means keeping our tax money at home, staying out of foreign wars, and answering to voters, not foreign lobbies. Ratings are Freedom Vote LLC’s opinions, based on the sources shown on each candidate’s page.
Green
On the record against Israel’s war or against sending it our money and weapons, with no pro-Israel support since. For example:
- Voting for or sponsoring a ceasefire resolution, including unanimous ones
- Voting against military aid or weapons sales to Israel, or against “stand with Israel” and anti-boycott bills
- Opposing the U.S.–Israeli war on Iran
- Refusing AIPAC and other pro-Israel lobby money
When exactly one candidate in a race is green, the app marks them “Fill this oval.”
Yellow
A mixed or unclear record. For example:
- Wanting conditions on military aid without opposing it
- Positions on war and the military with no stance on Israel
- One step against the war soon after a pro-Israel vote, and nothing since
Red
Supports Israel or any foreign lobby. Any one of these makes a candidate red:
- Money from AIPAC or any other pro-Israel lobby or PAC, including J Street and Democratic Majority for Israel
- Voting for, sponsoring or signing measures that support Israel or its war, even unanimous ones
- Voting for aid or weapons for Israel
- Backing laws that punish boycotts of Israel
- Putting public money into Israel Bonds
- Taking a trip to Israel paid for by a lobby group
- Saying Israel is our ally or backing its right to wage its war
No AIPAC record
We looked and found nothing either way. Many local candidates have no record yet.
What doesn’t count
- Measures against antisemitism. Jewish people and the State of Israel are two different things.
- Ceremonial resolutions, such as anniversaries of Israel or honoring a consulate.
When a record goes both ways
We look at the most recent action and how long ago it was. A recent or repeated stand against the war outweighs an older vote. Current money from a foreign lobby always makes a candidate red. Each candidate’s page shows both sides.
Where the information comes from
- Federal Election Commission records of campaign money
- Official roll calls, sponsor lists and journals from Congress and state legislatures
- State ethics and financial disclosure filings
- Candidates’ own websites, statements and questionnaire answers
- News reports that quote them
Every source is linked under “Why This Rating” on the candidate’s page.
Think a rating is wrong?
Email hello@freedomvoteus.com with the candidate’s name and a source. We check every message.