How to map fast changing situations so voters have the latest information
Common Cause,mobilization,yard signs
Information gets stale quickly. Make sure your supporters have the latest information.
Create Dnamic Maps for kind of information: Polling locations. Drop boxes. Voter suppression. Natural disasters.
"Common Cause Ohio is working with redistricting reform partners in the Fair Districts coalition to mobilize volunteers to collect signatures, educate voters and champion the need for the Citizens Not Politicians ballot initiative.
This year Ohioans will have the opportunity to take the redistricting process away from elected officials and give the power to draw the lines to an independent citizens redistricting commission. Following the successful passage of amendments to the Ohio Constitution to ban gerrymandering in 2015 and 2018, Ohio expected and deserved fair maps that kept communities together. Instead, the districts were drawn in secret and manipulated to advantage the political party in power." - Common Cause
How do you build grassroots support and visibility for a ballot initiative campaign and make sure it has the latest data? Distribute yard signs efficiently across a state? Make it easy for supporters to get and share yard signs? This blog describes how CJ Wilson, an organizer in Southwest Ohio with Common Cause designed a mobile app in a day that makes it easy to volunteer and find the nearest sign distribution location with innovative esri mapping software.
How to create a DYNAMIC MAP
Design a smart map in which the display is separate from the underlying data. In this case, Common Cause updates the details on volunteers distributing signs. This information is used to update the map without affecting the URLs that have already been distributed publicly. The same approach can be used to quickly update maps of polling locations, drop boxes and other resources.
Progressive groups can request pro bono help with dynamic maps here.
YES ON 1 - Ban Gerrymandering In Ohio
Launch the app with this URL https://arcg.is/1L4mCW1 or scan the QR Code that's shared through social media and flyers. The app runs in a web browser and does nto require any software to be be installed.
Splash screen appears before the user gets to the app. The Splash Screen emphasizes the YES ON 1 campaign and also provides helpful links.
Clicking on a location provides a contact of the closest location where yard signs can be picked up. The organizers have detailed information on all volunteers, but that information is not share publicly to protect their privacy.
Information Box in the app provides more details on the YES ON 1 campaign along with helpful links including how to volunteer, upcoming events and get other questions answered.
The SHARE icon makes it easy for voters to share the Yard Sign map with their friends. Partners can embed the map in their websites with the embed code.
What is the Citizens Not Politicians (CNP) Amendment and why do we need it?
"The Citizens Not Politicians Amendment is a citizen initiative to end gerrymandering. It bans lobbyists and politicians from the redistricting process and instead establishes the Ohio Citizens Redistricting Commission, empowering citizens to draw fair districts using an open and transparent process.
Ohio is one of the most gerrymandered states in the country with ridiculously shaped voting districts drawn to favor political party interests over the needs of our communities. Our current redistricting process was dragged out for over two years, with maps being ruled unconstitutional by the Ohio Supreme Court a whopping SEVEN times (five times for state legislative maps and twice for congressional ones). This ended up costing Ohio taxpayers tens of millions of dollars, but still didn’t result in fair, impartial districts. Clearly we need a new process that takes the power to draw district lines out of the hands of self-interested politicians." - Common Cause
Read the full text of the proposed amendment
Election Protection
Common Cause Ohio is committed to defending voting rights, making the ballot box accessible for all eligible voters, and safeguarding our voting systems to help ensure accurate and fair elections. We mobilize volunteers to help Ohioans navigate the voting process and cast their votes without obstruction, confusion, or intimidation.
Fair Courts in Ohio
Common Cause Ohio is a founding partner in the Ohio Fair Courts Alliance. The Alliance is a diverse network of organizations, community leaders and concerned citizens dedicated to creating a court system that exemplifies and protects equity, fairness and justice for all.
Fighting for Redistricting Reform in 2024
Right now in Ohio, politicians and lobbyists manipulate voting districts to protect their interests and guarantee their re-election. Common Cause Ohio is joining redistricting reform partners in the Fair Districts coalition to mobilize volunteers to collect signatures, educate voters and champion the need for the Citizens Not Politicians ballot initiative.
TakeAway: Organize smarter with innovative technology to make a bigger impact faster. With less money and less staff.
Deepak
DemLabs
DISCLAIMER: ALTHOUGH THE DATA FOUND IN THIS BLOG AND INFOGRAPHIC HAS BEEN PRODUCED AND PROCESSED FROM SOURCES BELIEVED TO BE RELIABLE, NO WARRANTY EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CAN BE MADE REGARDING THE ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, LEGALITY OR RELIABILITY OF ANY SUCH INFORMATION. THIS DISCLAIMER APPLIES TO ANY USES OF THE INFORMATION WHETHER ISOLATED OR AGGREGATE USES THEREOF.
Image credit: The Incredibles by Disney