Below are a number of statements made by other students when asked to say something about how they decided how they might vote or what their position might be on a social issue. They are sorted by identity style. Imagine they were participants in a discussion group with you in preparation for writing up your response to the Identity Styles Assignment. Diffused Style: I never made a decision about how to vote, social issues are not my forte. I haven't really begun to decide how I want to vote. School is much more important to me at this point in time and I believe that uneducated voters shouldn't be voting at all so therefore, as an uneducated voter, I should not be voting. I don't vote or really have opinions on political issues. I have not voted yet, I wasn't able to so I cannot answer this, however, I will vote at the next elections. I still do not have any strong political opinions. I often do a quick look into political parties in advance of an election, but that's about it. I'm so busy with university, a job, and my social life that I have no time to give an in depth look at social issues. I usually don't even understand what I'm reading if I do. I still don't know where I stand on politics. Never paid much attention to it. I unfortunately did not vote in any of the most recent elections and would consider myself rather uneducated when it comes to the field of politics. Therefore, I haven't really made any decisions about important social issues. As a youngster I followed the beliefs of my father and family because that's all I knew. Now as an adult my views and beliefs have changed very little because I know what is out there and the values i grew up with make the most sense. Normative Style: I've mostly taken the same political standing as my family members. Based on their contribution to my life and being surrounded by their political ideals and coming from a small town. I was raised in a house ruled by oil and gas. I voted for whatever kept my parents' careers safe and would benefit them, because they benefit me and without them, I wouldn't be here. I've always understood my values, so it is easy for me to make a decision to choose a candidate and vote. I've known how I would vote for as long as I can remember. My family and close friends are a huge influence on the way I think. When it comes to political views, I am not much of an independent thinker, so having influences and a couple different views in my social circle really helps. My sister and mother are very aware of politics and what goes on in that world. I usually just follow their decisions because i assume they know what they're doing. Informational Style: I started following politics a little in middle school. My parents were very open to discussion around politics and like to try to see every side of an issue. In high school, I met my current boyfriend who is very interested in politics. This gave me another person to discuss and debate issues with. My opinions have adapted and growth as I have, and I am sure they will continue to. No issue is back and white. In my high school Social Studies classes, we would talk a lot about current political issues. I realized during these discussions that I was very opinionated on some cases and it was then that I realized where I stood on the political spectrum and what kind of ideals I had with respect to my opinions about society. Once I reached legal voting age, I started to look into political issues and the impact that my choices would have. When I realized that I had the responsibility to vote, I decided that it was important to look into political issues and the effect they had on both society and myself. 4 months before I turned 18, with the upcoming federal election, it caused me to seriously consider my stance politically as it would be my first time voting ever. I mainly came to the stance I have because of researching and reading up on the platforms/past decisions of the parties involved. I have a tendency to be analytical in my decisions. I have developed my beliefs and values not on a first glance basis but based on a well thought out and researched arguments. Therefore, my decisions on who to vote for, which side of a debate to take are very fluid. I won't vote conservative just because my parents always have, or liberal because my friends are. I make my choices based on the values and campaign promises of the parties and leaders. And even then I take those promises with a grain of salt - because if you promise free university, free health care, better roads, legalized marijuana, etc., I'm aware that those funds come from some other budget like child care, low income family resources, veteran resources, etc.