Snapchat introduced a new in-app initiative to empower the next generation in becoming active and engaged citizens in the US, ‘Run for Office’. Believing participation in democracy to be the most powerful form of self-expression, Snap wants young people to run for local office.
Snap Newsroom stated, “We hope our Run for Office initiative will help shape a more equitable, and reflective, democracy that includes all Americans, including young people.”
The new ‘Run for Office’ Mini “is designed to help Snapchatters engage with democracy in an easy, native-to-mobile way. Powered with information from BallotReady, this simple tool will help Snapchatters explore hundreds of opportunities to run for local office based on the issues they care most about — from City Neighborhood Board and Township Council to School Board and State Representative”, explains Snap Newsroom.
To access it, open Snapchat and swipe down on the camera screen. You will see the in-app games or Minis there. The simplest way is to just search ‘Run for Office’ within Snapchat.
‘Run for Office’ Mini was designed keeping in mind the common problems that young people face while they consider whether to run for public office or not. Let’s take a look at the five barriers as mentioned by Snap Newsroom:
1. A centralized portal on local elected offices that can be filtered by issue.
“We created a one stop resource that curates over 75,000 upcoming elections on the federal, state and local level that Snapchatters may be eligible for. Snapchatters identify a set of issues they are passionate about and then we surface roles they may be interested in.”
2. Access to experienced candidate recruitment organizations and training programs across the political spectrum.
“These groups will be connected directly with Snapchatters to help them with the first steps needed to start a campaign, and include: Emerge America, IGNITE, New American Leaders, New Politics, Run GenZ, Run for Something, Running Start, LGBTQ Victory Institute, Vote Run Lead, Women’s Public Leadership Network.”
3. The ability to nominate friends to run for office.
“Snapchatters say friends were more than five times more influential in their decision to vote in the 2020 election vs. influencers and celebrities. The Run for Office Mini allows Snapchatters to nominate their friends who they see as future leaders.”
4. A personalized campaign hub.
“The ‘My Campaign Dashboard’ will show Snapchatters the first steps they need to take to get on the ballot, including filing deadlines and signature requirements, as well as contact information for local election offices. In addition, Snapchatters will be able to share stickers from this portal to start campaigning on Snapchat with their closest friends.”
For more information, tap HERE!
