Pros
It is a nonprofit organization that collects information on political officeholders and candidates. It is the self-proclaimed "vote's defense system."
Cons
Inaugurated in 1992, Project VoteSmart was sponsored by several members of Congress. The uniqueness of this organization is its claim of nonpartisan research. This, however, varies with degrees of subjectivity in the definition of nonpartisanship. The positions of executive director and the vice chair are both held by the Kimball’s, almost conveying a sentiment of “family-owned business.” Furthermore, instead of a top-down leadership system, a laissez faire structure is in place. Similarly, the amount of bureaucracy observed is almost equivalent, if not surpassing, to that of the federal government offices. In recent years, the main aspiration of this organization is to expand itself as a major research institute of the political system. Yet, its attempt to achieve this goal has been futile at the very best. The environment lacks the professionalism, vision and efficiency that I have observed at other places. Furthermore, most individuals, if not all, lack proficiency in empirical data analysis. Thus, most of the “analysis” fails to possess any legitimacy and substantial support, especially for use in the academic circle and the private sector. The raw data collected could be potentially utilized. Another flaw in the organizational structure is a deficiency in an incentive program. While most workplace promotes innovation, Project VoteSmart is a contrasting example. Instead of rewarding new initiatives and ideas, the leadership infrastructure encourages passiveness, blind obedience and status quo. In addition, no micromanagement system is in place, engendering sporadic control.