Today, the New York City Campaign Finance Board (CFB) announced the launch of a new first-in-the-nation mobile platform that will enable candidates to collect credit card contributions through their smartphones. Candidates who have registered with the CFB can sign up for their own account through www.nycvotes.org on their mobile phone. The app will streamline the work of complying with CFB Rules and city campaign finance law, making it simpler for candidates to collect small-dollar contributions and qualify for matching funds.
The NYC Votes mobile platform aims to transform the experience of voting and civic engagement for New Yorkers by providing access to voting and election information via mobile devices.
Art Chang, CFB Member and Voter Assistance Advisory Committee Chair, said, "Ahead of the important city elections this fall, our NYC Votes app has the potential to transform the way voters interact with their government. Voters, especially young voters, expect the democratic process to offer the same convenience they have grown to expect in their daily lives. We hope that this platform will inform and motivate New Yorkers to vote and stay engaged throughout the year."
The first phase of the tool is the Candidate Contribution Tool, available to candidates running for mayor, public advocate, comptroller, Borough President, and City Council. The Candidate Contribution Tool will make it easier for campaigns to connect with small-dollar contributors—enabling candidates to collect credit card contributions through their mobile devices, track their fundraising progress, and streamline their reporting and compliance with CFB requirements. New York City's public matching funds system provides a $6-to-$1 match for contributions from New Yorkers, up to $175 per contributor. It encourages more New Yorkers to participate in city elections, and allows their small contributions to have a big impact.
Later this summer, the next phase of the app will include a Voter Engagement Tool that will allow voters to find out about the candidates running for city office, find information about voting, and make contributions directly to candidates through the NYC Votes app if the candidate has previously created an account with the Candidate Contribution Tool.
The app was developed through partnerships with leading members of New York City’s tech and design community of New York City, including Method, Pivotal Labs, Tekserv, and Tipping Point Partners.
NYC Votes is the nonpartisan voter engagement campaign of the New York City Campaign Finance Board (CFB) and its Voter Assistance Advisory Committee (VAAC). In addition to promoting voter registration, participation, and civic engagement in New York City through its many programs and partnerships, NYC Votes sponsors the city’s official Debate Program and produces the citywide Voter Guide.