My Voter Buddy

Department: Computer Science

Group Members: Brandon Ling, Kayla Berardi, Rachel Tan

Client: Dennis Harabin

Advisor: Prof. David Klappholz

Project Description: The problem addressed by My Voter Buddy is how does one objectively measure a politician when one agrees with them on some issues, but disagrees with them on others -- or how well any individual or organization meets one's needs? My Voter Buddy addresses the problem by creating a unique objective score for any measurable dataset based on the user's preferences and priorities. In the case of politicians, in this case members of the House of Representatives, My Voter Buddy allows voters to see how closely their preferences and priorities jibe with those of politicians in their geographic areas. There are 6 subject areas with 10 questions each which the user answers. The subject areas are healthcare, education, housing, employment, taxes, and social issues. The questions require the user to rate a particular bill if it is of interest. For example, to rate H.J.Res. 84 Head Start Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2014. The ratings over a number of bills are scored and the app shows the user how close the politician is to his or her interests and values.