SOCIAL MEDIA AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

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SO.. WHAT ACTUALLY IS THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE?

M E G A N N E L S O N

On multiple social media accounts, I have been presented with ads and notifications reminding me of the upcoming election.

Social media platforms are encouraging voter participation, especially for first-time voters. The images below are from Spotify. By making voting appear as fun, engaging, and exciting, these platforms hope to influence a younger voter turnout.

You might have also seen this Bitmoji story on Snapchat, with your own personal Bitmoji in it to add visual representation.

Aside from encouraging people to register to vote, some social media platforms are providing

upcoming election. Multiple social media platforms, such as Instagram, are informing voters how to request mail-in ballots and get involved in the election process through the Instagram Voting Information Center.

Instagram has its own voting resources tab that appears at the top of the homepage. There, one can register to vote, request a mail-in ballot, and find a location to cast a ballot if they choose to vote in person. Additional sections provide information on how to become a poll worker and quick facts about voting by mail and checking your voter registration. Some digital stickers are also provided for one to add to their Instagram story to encourage others to vote.

The Voting Information Center even knows the state you reside in, so all the dates accurate. for

voter registration and

requesting a mail-in ballot

are

All of these ads, notifications, and sources have one goal: to have as many people participate in the election as possible. If you are still able to register to vote or request a mail-in ballot in your state, make sure you do so if you have not done so already!