As citizens, we know it is our civic duty to learn the issues, study the candidates, vote! But too often, it seems folks are taking sides just spoiling for the fight. Recent political and spiritual rallies in Washington have remained peaceful and we are glad of that. But it seems our ability to debate, respect opposing views, compromise and come-through with a democratic process has been under siege.

Voter education is the key: A better understanding of both sides of hot button issues? News media fairness, accuracy in reporting, and not spinning-up what seem to be causes or movements more than campaigns or issues debate?

One of our clients is Vote iQ (www.voteiq.com). Actor Richard Dreyfuss is a board of advisors  member and has a strong interest in civics, and civility in politics. He and the company founders are on a mission to create a social media platform dedicated entirely to political conversation. There is even proprietary “matching” software that helps people decide where candidates may match them on issues. It’s the ultimate tool in political empowerment and engagement. Other groups are popping up on Facebook. Microsoft is launching its own town hall community.

Maybe social media communities can helps us return to real debate and help our citizenry garner facts (not fiction) as we vote in the midterms this year.

Many of us who grew-up in Washington remember a time when compromise after real debate was the norm. Members of Congress were revered for their oratory, political acumen, smart staffers and true debate on issues. “Winning” was about passing legislation instead of trying to stymie the other party.