As you head to the polling booths, you won't just be voting for elected officials. Chances are, you will also face a dizzying array of voter initiatives bond measures, special taxes, and proposals to change laws in one way or another. For most of us, the ballot can be quite overwhelming.

Call me nave, but I still like to think that each person's vote really matters. So before you get tempted to "take the easy way out" and simply copy your spouse/best friend/newspaper/pastor's voting plans, here is a 5-step guide to analyzing the issues and making voting decisions that reflect your own core values.

1. Know Yourself . What is important to you? What are the values that you feel our laws and taxes should reflect? You may care deeply about the environment, education, small business, immigration, taxes, religious issues, or numerous other causes. Vote accordingly.

2. Understand the Initiative. Spend some time at home with your voter information booklet. Read the initiative -- including the fine print. Re-read it if necessary. What is meant to happen if this initiative passes? What are the arguments for and against it? What are some of the unintended consequences that are likely to happen as a result of this measure?

3. Think About the Impact. How will this measure impact the economy, environment, education, transportation, health care, social mores, and your ability to make a living? How will it affect the rich, the poor, the middle class, and any other group or cause that is important to you? Regardless of the voting recommendations of the political party with which you have registered, does this new law or tax reflect your personal values?

4. Look Closely at Bond Measures and Taxes. Bond measures and tax changes all tend to be laced with emotion. Proponents often act as though the world as we know it will come to an end if this project isn't funded through this bond or tax. However, there is no such thing as a "free lunch," and the money to pay for these initiatives all comes out of someone's pocket -- possibly yours. Ask yourself:
   • Is it fair? Does it provide services that are useful to the general public, or are all of the benefits going to be enjoyed by a select few? Does it pay for services that are truly needed and cannot be funded in a more efficient/fair/effective manner? Does it distribute the burden equitably?
   • Is it understandable? Can the average person understand that this tax exists, and understand what the money is paying for -- or is it disguised as an obscure fee or assessment?
   • Is it cost-effective? Does it pay for services that you believe are best provided by government, or does it set up a government bureaucracy for something that is best provided by the private sector?
   • Is it good for business and jobs? Does it drive up the cost of business to the point where firms will be forced to lay people off, go out of business or leave the area?

5. Make a Decision. Analyze the pros and cons. See how it all stacks up against your own core values. Think about what will be affected if this measure does or does not pass. And then make a decision. The bottom line is: will you, your family, your community, and society as a whole be better off with or without the passing of this initiative?