[3][non-primary source needed] The organization's stated mission is to help voters pick candidates "based on issues rather than on personalities and popularity."

They obtain their information from newspapers, speeches, press releases, book excerpts, House and Senate voting records, Congressional bill sponsorships, political affiliations and ratings, and campaign websites from the Internet.

[3][non-primary source needed] In 2004, the Baltimore Sun included OnTheIssues in a list of websites that helped voters to make educated decisions.

"[5][verification needed] The "VoteMatch Quiz" has 20 questions, and matches users' answers against candidates for president and for Congress.

[citation needed] The OnTheIssues website is characterized by heavy content and a lack of fancy technical features: an "information-rich, plain-jane site," according to U.S. News & World Report.