Facebook Unveils Election Feature

Delving further into the presidential election, Facebook on Friday unveiled a new feature that shows users what’s on the ballot -- from candidates and their positions to ballot initiatives.

“Facebook’s vote planner is tailor-made for you,” the social giant notes in a new blog post. “You can preview the races and issues you’ll see on your ballot, learn more about the candidates and their positions, then email yourself your choices for later reference.”

To give users a preview of the ballot they’ll receive on November 8, Facebook is relying on data gathered from election officials by the nonpartisan Center for Technology and Civic Life (CTCL).

Additionally, if people notice an issue with the CTCL data, Facebook’s new feature includes a way for them to provide feedback and help correct the dataset.

On the new feature, candidates are presented in random order in a horizontal scroll, and there are several ways to interact with the candidate profiles. Users can view their issue positions -- information candidates have provided about their policy positions -- their endorsements, recent posts and their Web site.

Users are also encouraged to add a candidate to their “favorites” to create their plan to bring with you on Election Day. For privacy purposes, after people make a selection, they are instructed to choose who they want to be able to see it (“Only me” or “Friends”).

This is not Facebook’s first foray into the presidential election. Earlier this year, it put out voter registration reminders and invited viewers to watch the presidential debates live.

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