2016 MA Community Voting Day

Progam Overview:

Voatz is hosting a community voting day via its award winning mobile voting platform on September 6th 2016. Potential voters and various local stakeholders will be able participate in live voting focusing on several current events and issues of importance (including a mock version of the upcoming Massachusetts State Primary) via a compatible smartphone (or via a Voatz Ballot Station in case they don’t have a compatible smartphone).

All votes will be fully anonymous and realtime results will be available for some of the contests. Participants will have a unique opportunity to learn more about the new Voatz platform and also provide feedback. There will also be a small panel discussion and some guest speakers.  

The event will be fun, non-partisan and aims to showcase the use of some new, innovative technologies which can potentially make our democratic processes more accessible and inclusive.

Light snacks and refreshments will be served.

Schedule:  

• 5:30pm - 6:00pm: Registration, Device Setup, Networking Reception
• 6:00pm - 6:30pm: Introduction, Panel Discussion
• 6:30pm - 7:00pm: Mock Campaigning, Ballot Measures, Voting Events Overview
• 7:00pm - 7:30pm: Live Voting
• 7:30pm - 7:40pm: Live Tallying, Results
• 7:40pm - 8:00pm: Closing Notes, Next Steps
• 8:00pm - 8:30pm: Networking

FAQs:

Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?

Yes, you will need a valid United States Photo-ID (e.g. drivers license, state id, passport, etc) to enter the venue and to vote. Please make sure to check in with the Microsoft building security when you arrive.

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?

The location is a short walk from the Red Line Kendall Sq T Station. For those who intend to drive, there is a paid parking lot underneath the building, and limited meter parking in the area. Additionally, the MIT Hayward St parking lot is free after 5pm. 

What kind of smartphone will I need to vote in the event?

iPhone 5s (or newer) with Touch ID enabled, Samsung Galaxy S5/S6/S7. If you don't have a compatible device, you will still be able to vote in person via the Voatz Ballot Stations available on site. Just remember to bring a valid photo-ID with you.

What kind of events does Voatz support?

• Public Elections (municipal/city/state/national) including Ballot Measures, Referendums
• Political Party Elections, Convention Floor Voting
• Participatory Budget Voting
• Corporate Elections
• Shareholder Proxy Voting
• College/University Elections (student bodies/alumni)
• Labor Union Elections
• Coop Voting
• Verified Opinion Polling

Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?

You can contact the Voatz team via email at info@voatz.com 

About the Organizer:

Voatz

Voatz is an award winning, mobile election voting platform focused on simplifying the electoral process internationally and making it safer, simpler and more accessible through the use of cutting edge technologies such as smart biometrics and the Blockchain. Voatz has been recognized with several awards some of which include the 2016 MIT Startup Spotlight Cult Favorite Winner, SXSW Citrix Hackathon Winner, Mass Innovation Nights Audience Favorite Winner, etc. To learn more, follow us on Twitter @voatz and visit voatz.com.

Event space graciously provided by:

The Microsoft Innovation & Policy Center

The Microsoft Innovation and Policy Center aims for Microsoft to be “of” the community, not just exist within it. Through the Innovation and Policy Center, we are extending beyond the tech community to: Connect stakeholders from tech to the broader business, academic and government community; Catalyze important technology and public policy discussions; and Contribute more directly with the health and vitality of greater New England.