GoalMind VoteSmart Ballot GuideTester Guide · Version 1.0

Version 1.0 · For testers · October 2026

What this is

A skill (a set of instructions) that helps a voter research every item on their real ballot. It checks candidates and measures against the voter's own values, labels facts versus claims, lists sources, and makes a printable guide. It never tells anyone how to vote.

Before you start (have these ready)

• An account in your AI assistant app (the one you were told to use). The free plan works.
• A folder for your files, for example Documents\Ballot Guide 2026.
• Your sample ballot (a PDF, photo, or screenshot), or your county, state, and precinct (your precinct is on your voter registration card).
• Time: about 30–60 minutes per sitting. A full ballot takes several sittings, so start early.

Install (one time, about 5 minutes)

1. In your AI assistant app, open Settings → Capabilities and turn on "Code execution and file creation."
2. Go to Customize → Skills, click +, then + Create skill, then Upload a skill.
3. Choose the file goalmind-votesmart-ballot-guide.zip. Make sure the skill is switched on.

Use it

1. Start a new chat and type: "Help me research my ballot."
2. It asks where to save your files first. Then it asks about your ballot, your views on issues (skip any you like), and a few ground rules, one question at a time.
3. It shows the list of races on your ballot. Check it against your real ballot.
4. It researches a few races at a time. After each round it gives you a progress file (its name ends in -Progress.md). Save it in your folder every time. It replaces the older copy.

Stop and come back later

• Stop any time. To continue, start a new chat, turn the skill on, and upload your progress file. It picks up where you left off.
• On the free plan, if you get a message that you've reached your usage limit, wait a few hours and continue. Nothing is lost if your progress file is saved.

Print your guide

Open the finished guide page (it ends in .html) in Chrome or Edge. Press Ctrl+P (Mac: Cmd+P), turn off "Headers and footers," and print. Check your state's rules: most states allow paper notes at the polls, but not phones.

Privacy

Your views on issues stay in your own files. Share your progress file or guide only with people you choose.

Please send feedback to:

Name:

Phone:

Email:

1. Did the install work? If not, what message did you see?
2. Was any question confusing? Which one?
3. Did the race list match your real ballot? What was missing or wrong?
4. Did you find any wrong facts? Which race and which line?
5. Did anything feel slanted toward one side? Where?
6. How many sittings did it take, and did you hit the usage limit?
7. Did resuming from the progress file work?
8. Would you pay for this, or for someone to prepare your guide for you? About how much?