Let’s say you’re someone who has strong feelings about politics and all aspects of the 2012 Presidential race. Good, it’s nice to care deeply about things. Let’s also say which you want to make your policial leanings sought after to all. Well, that may be a mixed bag. With that during mind, Facebook and CNN have teamed as much as ensure this election is as social as possible, in a manner that hopefully makes a speciality of the parties, candidates and issues without much of that inflammatory fluff that belies real political discussion.
Today, they’re finally launching the I’m Voting app, which was first announced in early July as one of the crucial key products of the Facebook/CNN partnership.
“With Election Day right across the corner, it’s time for every person to become involved, understand the problems, and make a commitment to take part. We believe that the facility of friends – the social dynamic that creates a societal impact — will bring about a more involved citizenry that seems on Election Day, informed in regards to the most important issues facing the nation,” says Facebook’s U.S. Politics & Government Team.
When you first launch the app, you’ll be asked to take a very easy voting pledge. all you’ll need do it click “Yes, I’m voting” to start. In case you don’t need to make that sort of a crazy commitment (-), you could skip it and head directly to the beef of the app.
The I’m Voting dashboard contains questions, maps, results breakdowns, and a comment section everything you must get the political discussions going. Users can cycle through questions like…
What’s your political leaning-
Which issue matter most to you-
If the election were held today, who’d get your vote-
Should the general public be capable of see all of a candidate’s previous tax returns-
Should Americans be required to have medical health insurance-
Should states be capable to enact tougher immigration laws than the government’s-
…and a lot of more. You could click “Support” for whichever position you decide after which decide if you would like that answer pushed on your Timeline and your pals’ news feeds & tickers by simply checking or unchecking the percentage box. Every page has a comments section which you can once more choose even if to post on your Timeline.
Here’s a sample of the page layout:
Facebook says that the app can even become a “second screen” for CNN on-air and online content. Presumably, meaning that the network will use data compiled from the app in its broadcasts.
Like I’ve said before, 2012 is the 1st truly social election. Not just are the candidates more invested in getting out their message (and the vote) via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc. but voters have a stronger opportunity to share and debate than ever before. Politics on Facebook gets a nasty rap and rightfully so sometimes. Individuals are oftentimes as*holes, to place it bluntly.
But sharing your opinions at the issues via Open Graph app that should be better than a snarky status, right-
Disclaimer: i’m guilty of many a snarky political status.