What does a political litmus test do for us

The term litmus test is borrowed from chemistry. The main use of litmus is to test whether a solution is acidic or alkaline. Wet litmus paper can also be used to test water-soluble gases; the gas dissolves in the water and the resulting solution colors the litmus paper. For instance, ammonia gas, which is alkaline, colors the red litmus paper blue.
Chemical reactions other than acid-base reaction can also cause a color-change to litmus paper. For instance, chlorine gas turns blue litmus paper white – the litmus paper is bleached.[5] This reaction is irreversible and therefore the litmus is not acting as an indicator in this situation.

Using a so-called litmus test to screen people who are seeking office allows voters to eliminate people who do not share their views on a particular issue. The danger is, if this is the only test the voter uses, then they will not find out anything else about the candidate.

The candidates who fail the litmus test might be better qualified overall but they are ignored.

Submitted by John Oakland -
Visit OakSenior Website