Voter Guide App Now Available

A new app for iPhone, iPad, and Android users gives voters in Santa Cruz County access to their Sample Ballot and Voter Information in the palm of their hand.

Voter Guide Now™ is a pilot program being tested in three counties in California for this June 5, 2012 Presidential Primary Election. Voters can access the app by going to the iTunes store or the Android Market. At the iTunes store or Android Market search “Santa Cruz Voter Guide.” At the app page, click on “Free” and “Install” to get the app on your phone. Users can return to provide feedback and rate the app.

“We want to make election information as easy to find as what’s playing at the movie theater tonight,” Santa Cruz County Clerk Gail Pellerin said. “The Voter Guide Now app provides another tool where voters can get important election information using a device they use to navigate through their daily lives.”

Once downloaded, voters simply enter their email address. Voters will have the opportunity to opt in to receiving their Sample Ballot and Voter Information electronically versus having the paper voter pamphlet mailed to them, but that is not a requirement of using the app. After selecting their zip code, street, then street address, voters may view all of the contests on their ballot.

Voters may select a candidate and view the candidate’s statement of qualifications or select a measure and view a summary of the measure along with arguments for and against.

While the app is not a voting device, it does allow voters to mark their favorites so they can refer to their selections when casting their official ballot at the polls or at home if voting by mail.

The app was created by Dr. Elizabeth Bergman, a professor of political science at Cal State East Bay.

For more information, visit us online at www.votescount.com or call 831-454-2060 or toll free 866-282-5900.