Having a hard time keeping track of all the candidates and ballot measures in the June 5th Primary Election? Can’t wait to get home to your voter guide so you can read up on local propositions?
Look no further than your smart phone for help.
As part of a pilot program, a few California counties are offering a free smart phone app of the County’s Voter Information Pamphlet.
If you’re an Android or iPhone owner, you can download the app to:
- research candidates;
- read endorsements;
- get information on state propositions and local measures;
- select a candidate or measure to add to “My Choices” to save for a later date
You can even opt out of receiving paper guides with a swipe of a finger.
The program was developed by Cal State East Bay political science professor Elizabeth Bergman. She teamed up with Atwoodz Inc.’s mobile development team.
Atwoodz believes the app is a great opportunity for citizens to help government save money by “reducing postage and paper costs as people opt out of receiving printed Sample Ballot and Voter Information Pamphlet.”
There are about 17 million registered voters in California, most of whom get printed information, but “if they convert to electronic voter guides, this could save about 500 million sheets of paper—equating to 60,000 trees.”
Marin, Shasta, and Santa Cruz Counties are participating in the pilot program just for the upcoming Primaries. If enough people download the app, Marin County may make it available for the November general election.
