Jessica Guynn

USA TODAY

SAN FRANCISCO — Facebook is making it easier for users to cast their vote with a new feature that shows them who and what will be on their ballot.

Already the giant social network has reminded U.S. users 18 and up to register to vote, resulting in 2 million of them registering. It broadcast the presidential debates on Facebook. And, as it has since 2008, it will remind users to make sure their voices are heard on Nov. 8.

Now Facebook wants to help prepare people for the voter's booth by offering information on the candidates and the issues, from the presidential election to local initiatives.

"We are encouraging civic engagement because we want to make it easier for people to participate and have a voice in the political process," said Jeremy Galen, a Facebook product marketing manager.

Facebook says about 20 states mail out sample ballots ahead of an election, making it challenging to find a comprehensive source of information. It's using data from the non-partisan Center for Technology and Civic life to supply that information. The vote planner lets you save and print your choices.

"By now, we’ve all heard more than enough about the presidential candidates in this election," Galen said. "We want to help people get information about the candidates and issues all the way down the ballot."

Where do I vote? Google now will tell you, and show you the ballot

The candidates are presented in random order in a horizontal scroll, Facebook says.

Users can click on the issues tab to view information the candidates have provided about their policy positions, the endorsement tab to make an endorsement or to see who else has endorsed the candidate, and add a candidate to your favorites.

Facebook will show users information about the presidential candidates as well as candidates for statewide races. To get information about local elections, users must provide their address.

After making each selection, users can decide who they want to see the information, such as "only me" or "friends." That means you could share with friends that you plan to support a ballot initiative but not who you support for president, for example.

When you make a choice visible to friends and family, they can see it in their own voting planner, but it does not create a Facebook post.

"You can also share your thoughts on a specific race with friends to prompt a discussion with those interested in the election. Or if you are undecided, you can ask your friends for advice on Messenger," Facebook said.

Facebook launches first nationwide voter registration drive

Earlier this month, Google launched a similar feature that helps voters find out what's on the ballot and where their polling place is.

These are just the latest examples of online services such as Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and Google-owned YouTube working to get out the vote.

USA TODAY reported last month that Facebook would show users in the U.S. who are 18 and up a reminder to register to vote at the top of their News Feed over the course of four days.

The voter registration drive, Facebook's first to roll out nationwide, tapped the power of social media to influence millions of people and their friends. Nine states credited that Facebook reminder with dramatically boosting voter registrations.

This week Facebook's chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg said more than 2 million people registered to vote in the primary and general elections as a result of the social-media company prompting users.

"We believe in giving people a voice," Sandberg said at 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. And that will be good for everyone, not just in the U.S. but around the world."



