Let's face it: The number of election news articles, websites, and political blogs can be overwhelming and tough to navigate. But if you're voting in the primaries and the presidential election (we hope you are!), you'll want to be confident you make the right choice. To get you through the information muddle, we've come up with six tips for staying up-to-date with the election.

1. Shop Around

Take a week and scout election news sources -- we suggest: Time.com's Swampland, NYTimes.com's Election Guide 2008, WashingtonPost.com's Campaign 2008, MSNBC.com's Decision '08, and, of course, BridesDecide.com. Once you pick your favorite, bookmark it and make a point to visit once a day (on your lunch break or first thing in the morning) to scan and peruse the latest election news. Become a regular, and you'll have an easier time finding the information you want.

2. Bring the News To You

Even easier, subscribe to a political blog or RSS feed. Most major election websites have them. Just look for the orange RSS square at the bottom or top of the homepage. When you click on it, it should prompt you to save your bookmarks. Another option: Download a customized political calendar or widget to your desktop that gives you daily reminders of big election events, such as primaries and debates. A few to try: WidgetBox.com, SoftPedia.com, and SpringWidgets.com.

3. Weigh the Issues

Use your newly found news sources to gauge the issue of the moment; this can often help you figure out which candidate will succeed in the end. Check out which candidates are vocal about their stances and which ones seem tight-lipped and less engaged. And figure out which issues are most important to you. If you haven't quite made up your mind, keeping track of the news is a great way to help you make a decision. Compare the candidates on big issues here. (link to BridesDecide compare the candidates section)

4. Tune In To Historical Patterns

To make an educated election prediction, look to past elections. Historically, white Catholics have voted for the winner, so find out which candidates they're supporting. Also, keep in mind that states like New Hampshire and Iowa have already set record-breaking voter numbers. Groups that have historically not shown up to the polls are making their move this year. In terms of primaries, Ohio is your state to watch: Voters there have correctly predicted the presidential election outcome for all but two elections in the past 104 years.

5. Gauge Women Voters

In the past, women have had the power to tilt the vote toward their candidates or issues. In fact, 54 percent of women voted in the 2004 election, making them the majority of voters. When reading through articles and polls, focus on the ones concerning women voters. A BridesDecide.com study showed that women hold health care, taxes, and the war in Iraq high on their political agendas. Read up on these issues and more, then decide which candidates appeal most to you and other women voters.

6. Talk It Out

There's no better way to sharpen your opinions and open your mind than to participate in some healthy debate with others. The election 2008 message boards on TheKnot.com, TheNest.com, and WeddingChannel.com are highly active, and women from diverse backgrounds with a number of varying opinions are constantly hashing out the issues and debating on who they think will be the next president.

-- Emily Ayer