Citizen guide
How to Verify Wapner Watch
The goal is not to require readers to trust Wapner Watch. The goal is to make consequential claims independently verifiable whenever the underlying records are publicly available.
- 1
Read the claim
Identify exactly what the page says the evidence establishes. Read any stated limits and avoid extending the claim beyond its wording.
- 2
Check the evidence status
Verified primary record means an official document is available. Corroborated means more than one reliable source supports a point. Reported / attributed identifies credible reporting or a statement. Open and legal questions remain unresolved. Corrected entries identify changed wording.
- 3
Open the original source
Whenever available, open the government, court, campaign-finance, disclosure, or other authoritative original linked on the page.
- 4
Check the archived copy
Preserved copies can help maintain access when an original link changes. They are labeled as archives and do not replace the agency original.
- 5
Check the cited page or item
Review the relevant page, agenda item, line, or filing schedule instead of relying only on this site's description.
- 6
Check the timeline
Use the chronology to see where a record fits, what came before it, and what later records may qualify it.
- 7
Check corrections
Substantive wording changes and their source basis are recorded publicly in the corrections log.
- 8
Look for contrary evidence
Evidence that qualifies or contradicts a possible conclusion matters. The record should be read with its limits and alternatives.
- 9
Submit an error or additional evidence
Use the existing contact path to share a verifiable correction, source, or additional context for review.
Submit evidence or report an error