Voting Advice Application

Overview

OpenVAA is an innovative software framework designed to facilitate the creation of Voting Advice Applications (VAAs), also known as Election Compasses. These applications play a vital role in helping voters identify which political candidates or parties align best with their values based on their responses to various political statements. While VAAs are gaining traction, particularly in Nordic countries, the Netherlands, and German-speaking regions, OpenVAA distinguishes itself as a fully open-source and user-friendly platform that encourages voter engagement in elections.

The project is managed by the Finnish non-profit association OpenVAA and is supported by Sitra, the Finnish innovation fund. At present, the application is in its alpha stage, with ongoing efforts to refine the existing codebase and improve user experience. OpenVAA aims to provide a transparent, customizable, and research-friendly alternative to conventional VAAs, making it easier for all to access and participate in the democratic process.

Features

• Transparent: OpenVAA provides complete openness about its operations, allowing users to understand the application thoroughly.
• Free to use: The framework is available at no cost, making it accessible to a wide audience.
• Fully localisable: Users can adapt the application to different languages and cultural contexts, enhancing its relevance in diverse environments.
• Use in any election: Designed for versatility, OpenVAA can be used in elections across various regions and jurisdictions.
• Accessible: The platform focuses on inclusivity, ensuring that all voters can engage with the application without barriers.
• Modular, customizable, and extendable: Developers can easily modify and expand the application to meet specific needs and preferences.
• Privacy-preserving: User privacy is a priority, with safeguards in place to protect personal information.
• Informed by research: The framework is grounded in research and aims to facilitate further studies on voting behaviors and preferences.