Facebook, Inc. is doing its part to help users prepare for the U.S. election on November 8 by encouraging civic participation. The giant social network is introducing a new feature that shows the users a preview of the ballot.
Facebook announced in a press release that the new feature would show what's on the ballot, from candidates to ballot initiatives. The new feature will also show the users where the candidates stand on the issues and whether they are running for president or a local office.
The social media giant said they are doing to make it easier for people who want to participate in the election and have a voice in the political process. Users will be able to preview the races and issues on their ballot and see the position of each candidate.
The ballot preview is possible, thanks to the data that the nonpartisan Center for Technology and Civic Life gathered from election officials. The company adds that users can comment and provide feedback on the ballot preview to correct any errors.
USA Today reports that this is the latest example of what online services such as Facebook, Twitter, and Google are doing to get people to vote. Google had launched a similar feature earlier this month that helps people know what's on the ballot and where their polling place is.
This is Facebook's first voter registration drive that they rolled out nationwide. This drive has tapped the power of social media to influence millions of people to participate in the election.
Facebook's Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg said that more than two million people have registered to vote in the primary and general elections. This is the result of users being prompted by Facebook.
"We believe in giving people a voice," she said during The Wall Street Journal's WSJ.D conference in Laguna Beach, Calif. "We really believe that we can help people register to vote and increase political participation."
