VotrCrwd

Example output for voter locations

Inspiration

This year, more than ever, it is important to vote. Everyone's right to vote could change the direction of this country, but it’s also crucial to make sure that people vote safely. Especially in these uncertain times that are impacted by COVID-19, we were inspired to take action to find a way for voters to better understand their voting needs and vote in person in a way that minimizes interpersonal contact.

What it does

VotrCrwd provides people their nearest in-person voting locations and the current volume of voters at that location. This will create a safer voting environment, as voters will be able to track in real-time whether their polling location is unusually crowded and decide if it is safe enough to go and vote. This way, voters can avoid the long lines and go vote at times when they can keep their social distance and remain safe. Additionally, VotrCrwd provides users with resources on their voter registration and different voting deadlines.

How we built it

We primarily used React.js to implement the frontend of the project, and Node.js along with a Firebase database for the backend. Additionally, we used various APIs, such as the Google Civic Information API, Google Maps API, and Google Places API.

Challenges we ran into

Some of the APIs we were planning to use didn't contain sufficient information to meet our project needs, and so searching for these APIs was a challenge. Additionally, the absence of an easy way to review each other's code and changes virtually made collaboration harder than we would have expected.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We're proud of the simplistic and effective backend that we implemented for this project, as well as the accessible elements we added to our website to create an aesthetically appealing user experience. Additionally, we're proud of the use of vast range of APIs that we hope can bring voting information into a more prominent light.

What we learned

We learned a lot about the technical side of implementing a project like VotrCrwd, such as the use of different APIs and styling using Material-UI. Additionally, we formed many new insights about how to work as a team during these necessarily virtual times and create a functional project.

What's next for VotrCrwd

We're hoping to implement a more complete collection of voting locations by creating our own API of voting places. Additionally, we'd like to potentially turn this into a mobile app with more features. We hope to get VotrCrwd out to the general public and create a real-world impact!