DemLabs blog

Winning campaigns want to focus their resources and efforts to maximize impact. The challenge is where to focus for the most votes and what issues to emphasize?

New apps now supplement the planning  done with the voter file, phone surveys and canvassers. They reduce the time, skills and expenses needed to plan campaign efforts.These two free mapping apps include demographic data are worth trying out.

Campaign exercise:
Assume we're planning a campaign in Boggy Creek, Orlando, FL and need to understand:
1. The composition of voters in the district and where they are concentrated
2. Their characteristics - income, racial composition, education level...
3. What are the issues that might matter to them

Where are the likely voters?
Statistical Atlas is a free app that displays the racial composition of Boggy Creek and understand where different ethnic groups are concentrated. Other search criteria include age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, education level, school enrollment, language spoken, employment status, occupation. A quick search shows that there is extreme income disparity in the area with groups earning over $83K and others less than $41K. It also reveals that the predominant ethnic communities are Puerto Rican and South American.

The first app

Which issue(s) will mobilize voters?
Living Atlas is a free app that displays a range of issues that affect local residents and might be used to  mobilize voters. Some of the issues that can be analyzed include social equity & health, economic opportunity, transportation & infrastructure, environment and public safety. A quick research shows that in this area, many residents pay more for groceries because of a lack of nearby supermarkets.

A GIF of Statistical Atlas

Which issue(s) will mobilize voters?
Living Atlas is a free app that displays a range of issues that affect local residents and might be used to  mobilize voters. Some of the issues that can be analyzed include social equity & health, economic opportunity, transportation & infrastructure, environment and public safety. A quick research shows that in this area, many residents pay more for groceries because of a lack of nearby supermarkets.

A GIF of Esri Maps for Public Policy

Take away
Work smart, not hard. Innovative apps and data sources are campaign equalizers. They let more good candidates run for office even if they don't have much money or experience.

Deepak
Co-Founder, DemLabs

Democracy Labs is a hub for ongoing technology and creative innovation that serves progressive groups at the national, state, and local levels. Donate here to support our work.

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DemLabs applies innovative technology and storytelling tools in service of democratic values. It lowers the barrier of funding for worthy candidates and non-profits by applying existing free/affordable solutions.