Certainly, nothing is more divisive, confounding and flat-out infuriating than politics in the US today. For many voters, keeping up with who believes what in a political race is more than half the battle. It's hard to know where to look for quality news, who you can trust and what it all means.
Thankfully, there is a wave of apps, websites and services flooding the market, helping users stay informed, have their voices heard and make sense of all the double talk we hear.
Billed as the Tinder for voters, Voter uses the dating app's swiping function to help users identify candidates that they agree with, based on the issues. Founded by Chapman graduate Hunter Scarborough and UCLA graduate Suneil Nyamathi, the startup recently took part in the Stubbs Alderton Preaccelerator Program. The company also boasts Tinder's founder and CEO, Sean Rad, as a member of its advisory board.
Early in an election process it's hard to really understand what each candidate believes in. Given the diversity of opinions on important issues, it's hard for many voters to know who they should side with. That's where isidewith comes in, as a simple, nonpartisan quiz that helps voters identify the candidates that share their beliefs, allowing voters to stay informed, and, quite frankly, save a lot of time.
With candidates regularly flip-flopping on issues and offering vague stances, iVotify aims to offer users clear, digestible explanations of just what each candidate really believes. The site aggregates the candidates' statements on hot topic issues, and helps users see how they have changed their opinions, and more importantly, what they actually mean.
Votum uses text messages to inform users about bills in Congress, polling users about what they think, and ultimately sending their thoughts to congressmen and congresswomen. The company was founded by local entrepreneurs Chelsea Kent and Alexa Natanson in an effort to keep Americans informed as well as to provide another avenue for them to express their thoughts and beliefs.
