New ground-breaking app is publics newest way of becoming an informed voter
Kilkenny Tech Company founded by Carlow native develops Europe’s first political election app
A Kilkenny based digital development company has developed a new ground-breaking app that will revolutionise communication between the general public and political candidates. iVOTER, a new online app-based platform a free to download app that the public are being urged to download from ivoter.ie, the App Store or Google Play.
A unique model and the first of its kind in to be developed in Europe, it aims to bridge the gap between political candidates and the public. The free to download app is being piloted for the upcoming Carlow-Kilkenny by-election and has seen all 13 candidates become involved. Candidates provide their manifestos, social media feeds, videos and campaign updates which is then viewable to the public.
Developed by Brendan Cunningham and business partner Michelle Lawless, iVOTER has been designed to enable constituents make informed voting decisions. Using an easy to navigate system, real time information on campaign updates of candidates is available from one centralised online location. It will also encourage participation in polls, surveys and mock elections. All user information is anonymous and results are then aggregated bringing up to date and relevant statistics to local audiences.
Speaking on the new app, Brendan Cunningham of iVOTER said “We identified the need for an interactive platform where the public has access to election material in a centralised location. Candidates connect with and update voters on issues that matter to them. In today’s tech-savvy world, we feel iVOTER reaches out to the growing digital generation.”
Particularly geared towards younger voters who are more likely to engage with a digital experience, Michelle Lawless explains “We are particularly keen to generate awareness among younger voters who are less likely to take an interest in political matters. Over the past few weeks, we have visited a number of secondary schools across Kilkenny and Carlow where its reception was overwhelmingly positive. As a result almost a quarter of our users who have downloaded iVOTER are young people.”
The application is the latest device developed by Brendan Cunningham and Michelle Lawless through their company Pin Point Alerts and was shortlisted at the 2014 Web Summit as ‘Best New Start-Up’ in the international category. To date €75,000 has been invested in its creation which has employed 10 people throughout the process. €10,000 of the funding came from Enterprise Ireland.
Full candidate profile information is now available for all candidates in the Carlow-Kilkenny by-election. To download iVOTER visit www.ivoter.ie or search for it on the App Store and Google Play.
iVOTER is free to download and is available for iPhones, iPads, and Android devices. www.ivoter.ie / @ivoterapp
