A study explored the use of seven political information channels available to eligible voters during the 1986 off-year elections. Specifically examined were (1) the degree to which various political information channels were used during this election, (2) which of these information channels respondents depended upon most for information about the candidates and their positions on issues, (3) the most important patterns of exposure to the various information channels among the electorate, and (4) how these political information groups differed in their levels of political efficacy and political activity. The seven information channels investigated were these: (1) television; (2) newspapers; (3) interpersonal communication; (4) direct contact; (5) campaign literature; (6) radio; and (7) visual material. Respondents, 1,917 eligible voters from six communities in the southeastern United States, were randomly selected and interviewed. The sample was 56% female, 81.2% white, and averaged 13.9 years of education. The medium household income was between $19,000 and $30,000. Results indicated that television had the highest level of exposure, image dependency, and issue dependency. Newspapers were third in level of exposure, but second in both image and issue dependency. Although interpersonal communication ranked fifth in exposure, a significant minority of respondents were dependent on interpersonal communication for information about the candidates' stands on issues, and especially about candidate image. Although visual media ranked second in exposure, few respondents were dependent on it for image or issue information. Findings suggest that interpersonal communication seems to be a key communication channel for the politically active, and that a substantial minority of voters rely on information channels other than television and newspapers. (Tables of data, notes and references are attached.) (NKA)