We live in a time where fighting is as common as brushing your teeth. of the differences between the people who govern our lives and influence how we respond to the turmoil around us, how our children should be educated, who we buy our supplies from, and the people we want in office (from the school board to the White House) .

People are quick to cite reasons why a candidate has their vote, but there is an irony here. No matter how committed people are to their candidates (and the party they join), if asked what kind of intelligence gathering they have done, most people have done little or no research. The assumption that their candidate's beliefs and world views do not match their own is absurd.

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Elections are about highlighting polarizing issues

Nothing can spark an otherwise pleasant conversation social mediaat a party or an intimate dinner sooner than when it comes to politics or ideology. Whether behind a keyboard or sitting/standing face to face with someone, the boiling point is quickly reached and it's like another person comes to the surface.

We all know the issues that can make seemingly good people argumentative and adamant. But believe it or not, voters often overlook other equally important positions their candidates are running for. And whether you realize it or not, these are issues that affect us all – more so than the most divisive ones.

Let's face it: they're not what our candidates want us to debate. If we voters paid more attention, we might agree on some of them.

inFRAStRuctuRe: How have weather, time and technology affected our bridges, roads and tunnels? Have the tanks been excavated recently? Can the current electrical grid withstand weather conditions, or will it buckle with the next hurricane, tornado or hurricane? How much money have local and federal governments set aside to ensure that tax dollars are maintaining infrastructure?

Food safety and security: Maybe you were worried because there aren't many supermarkets nearby with fresh, organic produce and humanely raised grass-fed meats in affordable prices. If you lived in Beverly Hills, you'd have dozens of options for both because of their clientele.

In contrast, in neighborhoods with significantly lower socioeconomic levels, shelves are lined with highly processed and unhealthy choices that impact both communities and the cost of health care. Do you know where your candidates stand on local laws that prioritize healthy eating?

Urban Planning and Housing: It's not sex to talk affordable housingnot when a candidate can raise tensions among voters with their stance on divisive issues. In all cities across the country, commercial development and homes for the middle class and wealthy take priority over affordable housing.

Although most of these issues are decided at the local level, the federal government can influence local zoning through funding and policy initiatives.

Rights in the workplace: Workforce.com surveyed Gen Zs and millennials and found that 71% of the former and 65% of the latter are badly burned. Aflac and Workforce.com teamed up to publish a study reporting similar results: 50% of the workforce of all ages are burned out.

When alone 33% of the US- and 23% of global workers reporting being engaged at work, it should come as no surprise that the decline is higher than ever, costing the global economy. 8.8 trillion dollars a year. What is your candidate doing to address these crises?

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Creation of jobs: Candidates talk a big game about the number of jobs created during their party's term, or if they're running for re-election, they can point to successes during their term. And while creating jobs and job stability are important to all of us, looking at some of the specifics that lead to both are often overlooked by voters.

Trade agreements between nations can affect the availability and price of goods and services. Minimizing supply chain issues can mean lower prices, directly impacting corporations and households. Equally important to trade agreements are any tariffs and trade barriers. Understanding how a candidate will perform either or both can impact your family's bottom line.

Where does your candidate stand? regulatory issues? Reducing regulations or deregulation can potentially lead to job growth, but it can also lead to increased pollution, recessions, and consumer harm. All industries and governments need oversight. The alternative creates chaos and public health problems. It is important to know where your candidate stands on these issues, as they can directly affect your family and community.

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How intelligence gathering informs decision making

Decision making strictly along party lines is inherently fraught with cognitive biases. There is nothing more powerful than an enlightened voter. This means vetting your candidate on all the issues that affect you so that you feel complete confidence in a leader who can navigate the complications of our time. Intelligence gathering involves reviewing their statements and using independent cross-examination.

You may end up with the same candidate you originally wanted, or it may mean choosing a different candidate. In selecting a candidate, consider their empathy and ability to relate to people – but not just when the cameras are rolling. This will show you how serious they are about keeping their promises.

The issues raised above, along with a host of others, affect our lives every day. We should be voting on those policies, not the noise both parties create to obscure it. This election is no different. With the media amplifying every falsehood, scandal, and past statement (often taken out of context or edited), it's essential to stay grounded.

Choosing the best candidate in a contested election is not about party loyalty, but about a rigorous intelligence-gathering process that leads to the best decision for you and your family.