June 10, 2025
Longer description:
In times of increasing misinformation and declining voter turnout, particularly among younger generations, well-designed Voting Aid Applications (VAAs) can play a pivotal role in revitalising democratic engagement. Gain insights into best practices for creating high-quality VAAs that increase (informed) voting and support citizens in reasserting control over their democratic processes.
Special focus will be given to first-time voters. Research shows that casting a first vote is an important predictor of lifelong electoral engagement (e.g., Blais & Daoust, 2020). However, this demographic remains underrepresented at the ballot box, highlighting the urgent need for inclusive tools.
Drawing on two decades of experience developing VAAs in collaboration with academic and media partners, Sofie and Eva from Tree company will share insights into effective design, user experience, and outreach strategies. They will present lessons learned from the record-breaking success of recent Belgian VAAs—used over 7 million times in 2024.
They will also look forward by discussing the potential of open source VAAs. In the same way global movements are questioning the dominance of big tech, civic technology can enable communities to build democratic tools that are transparent, adaptable, and owned by the people they serve. Open source VAAs represent more than digital infrastructure—they are instruments of democratic agency and resilience.
Explore: https://international.treecompany.be/voting-aid-applications/