Values-based voting offers a solution: instead of automatic party loyalty, you evaluate each candidate based on your personal values and their actual record.

In Parts 1 and 2, we explored why minority voters should demand results rather than promises, and examined data showing the disconnect between political rhetoric and actual outcomes. Now, let’s move from theory to practice with a step-by-step guide for evaluating candidates based on your values rather than party affiliation.

How to Vote Your Values: A Practical Guide for Minority Voters

You’ve probably heard the message that your racial or ethnic identity should determine how you vote. But what if there’s a better way? This guide offers practical steps for minority voters who want to make independent choices based on their values, not political pressure.

Why Values-Based Voting Matters

New data from Pew Research shows that despite years of political promises, 72% of Americans believe increased attention to racial issues after George Floyd’s death didn’t improve Black lives [Source: Pew Research Center]. For many minority communities, this disconnect between words and results feels all too familiar.

Values-based voting offers a solution: instead of automatic party loyalty, you evaluate each candidate based on your personal values and their actual record.

Step 1: Know Your Own Values

Before evaluating any candidate, clarify what matters most to you:

• Faith and religion – How important are your religious beliefs in shaping your worldview?
• Family structure – What policies best support strong families in your community?
• Economic opportunity – What helps create jobs and business growth where you live?
• Education – What schooling options would best serve your children?
• Public safety – What approaches to crime and policing would make your neighborhood safer?
• Community responsibility – What role should local communities vs. government play?

There are no “right” answers here – only your authentic priorities.

Step 2: Look Beyond Party Labels

Once you know your values, evaluate candidates based on:

✓ Their actual record – What have they accomplished, not just promised?

✓ Local impact – How have their policies affected your specific community?

✓ Value alignment – Do their positions match your personal values, regardless of party?

✓ Accountability – Do they take responsibility when things don’t improve?

Remember: No political party has a monopoly on good ideas. The best solutions often combine elements from different perspectives.

Step 3: Resist Identity-Based Pressure

You might face criticism for voting independently. Common pressure tactics include:

• “You’re betraying your community”
• “You’re not a real [racial/ethnic identity] if you vote that way”
• “That party is against people like us”

These messages share one goal: to shame you into voting based on identity rather than values.

Your response: “I vote based on my values and what works for my family and community. No one gets my vote automatically.”

Step 4: Focus on Results, Not Rhetoric

When evaluating candidates, ask these questions:

1. Has this person’s policies improved education in my community?
2. Have their approaches made my neighborhood safer?
3. Have they created better economic opportunities for families like mine?
4. Do they respect my religious and cultural values?
5. Are they accessible to my community after election day?

What matters isn’t what politicians say during campaigns, but what happens in your community when they’re in office.

Step 5: Build Community Around Shared Values

Political independence doesn’t mean going it alone. Connect with others who share your approach:

• Faith communities often provide spaces for values-based political discussions
• Community organizations focused on specific issues rather than parties
• Local business groups addressing economic development
• Parent associations working for better schools

These connections help build political power based on shared values rather than racial or ethnic identity alone.

Examples of Values-Based Evaluation

Remember: Your Vote Is Yours Alone

No political party, community leader, or media outlet owns your vote. As a minority voter, you have every right to:

• Think independently
• Vote your authentic values
• Hold all politicians accountable
• Switch your support when results don’t follow promises

The most powerful message you can send is that your vote must be earned through results, not identity-based appeals.