The presence of social media in politics has boomed recently in light of the forthcoming presidential election as candidates scramble for every last vote. Although platforms like Twitter and Facebook provide invaluable networking opportunities for candidates, one can't help but wonder if this election has become more of a popularity contest than a presidential campaign.

Como republicano, anterior representante del 25avo Distrito Congresional de California (1993-2015), y Presidente del Comité de las Fuerzas Armadas del Congreso, fui testigo de primera mano de la ética laboral de Loretta Sánchez, de su atinado juicio, y su compromiso para asegurar la seguridad de los Californianos. Me da un gran orgullo el dar mi apoyo a la persona más calificada para representar a la gente de California, sin importar el partido, y le pido a mis conciudadanos de California que se unan a mi en darle su apoyo.

San Diego, CALIF. - The November ballot has received criticism for its length and complexity, and now there is concern over the layout of the document itself.  

Specifically, the voting bubbles for Measures E and K, both described as “ballot cleanup measures” by several voting rights advocates, are in the exact same positions on reverse sides of the dual-sided paper ballot. That means if a voter fills in a YES vote for Measure E, the voter could unknowingly vote NO for Measure K because of an ink bleed-through.

Over the last 10 years, the San Diego County Taxpayers Association (SDCTA) has issued some curious endorsements with clear conflicts of interest, to say the least. What follows is an in-depth analysis of whether or not SDCTA is really the “taxpayers watchdog” and provider of “unbiased” information to the voters as it claims.

As a Republican, former congressman from California’s 25th Congressional District (1993-2015), and chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, I witnessed first-hand Loretta Sanchez’s work ethic, astute judgment, and commitment to ensuring the safety of the people of California. I am proud to endorse the person, not the party, most qualified to represent the people of California, and I urge my fellow Californians to join me in supporting her.

It's amazing the vast amount of time the media has devoted to the backlash of suggestions by Donald Trump that the ballot might be rigged -- or more to the point if he loses it was rigged.

But very, very few media outlets have really focused on reporting the reality of the American ballot box, and just how decentralized and local our entire election process is nationwide.

Kentucky Sec. of State Alison Grimes (D) made national headlines Monday with her simple, but direct rebuttal of how the election process works in Kentucky:

There is one question that could redefine the final weeks of the 2016 presidential campaign. An affirmative answer by Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump could disrupt American politics:

San Diego, CALIF. - San Diego’s election system doesn't look like the state of California.

Since 1989, the City has had an election loophole, allowing candidates who receive over 50% of the primary vote to be automatically elected and skip the electorate in the November general election. Voters are challenging this election system through a ballot initiative. If passed, Measure K will change the system starting in 2018.

1 in 3 seniors will eventually face some form of dementia -- Alzheimer's Association FAQs

A year ago, I discussed the problems associated with an overwhelming aging population and the legal intricacies of dementia patients voting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65AZr335FWc

We over at Third Candidates took time this summer and fall to learn more about the process independent and third party candidates go through in order to be granted ballot access.