Beyond the Ballot: The Start-ups That Made Voting More Accessible, Secure, and Informed in the US

In recent years, a new wave of start-ups has emerged with a powerful mission: making voting more accessible, informed, and secure for all Americans. These companies are stepping into the gaps where traditional systems may fall short, using technology to empower citizens and strengthen democratic participation. From registration platforms to combating disinformation, these start-ups are tackling critical issues in the voting process and mobilizing voters like never before. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most impactful innovations reshaping the landscape of voting in the United States.

Key Challenges Facing Voters Today

Before diving into the start-ups working to solve these problems, it’s important to understand the common obstacles voters face. These barriers not only discourage participation but also highlight the need for innovative solutions:

• Complex Registration Processes: Approximately 21 million eligible Americans were not registered to vote as of 2020, often due to complex registration processes..
• Lack of Accessible Information: A 2020 survey found that 64% of Americans encountered false or misleading information about the election, leading to confusion and distrust in the electoral process.
• Limited Access for Certain Populations: In the 2020 election, 11% of voters with disabilities reported difficulties in voting, highlighting accessibility issues.
• Logistical Challenges: During the 2020 primaries, voters in some states faced wait times exceeding two hours, discouraging participation.
• Concerns Over Voting Security: A 2020 poll indicated that 59% of Americans were concerned about the security of mail-in voting, affecting their confidence in the system.

What is Civic Tech, and Why Does it Matter?

Civic tech refers to the use of technology to improve the relationship between people and their government, fostering civic engagement and strengthening democratic processes. By building tools that help people register to vote, understand their choices, and feel confident in the voting process, civic tech start-ups are helping close the gaps in access, transparency, and engagement. Their work is essential because a healthy democracy relies on participation from all citizens, yet voting barriers like complex registration, misinformation, and logistical challenges still discourage many from casting their ballots. Civic tech’s mission is to remove these barriers, creating a more inclusive and informed electorate.

1. Innovating Voter Registration and Accessibility

At the heart of these efforts are platforms like Democracy Works, a non-profit start-up that developed TurboVote to streamline voter registration and keep voters informed about elections. With TurboVote, users can check their registration status, get reminders about upcoming elections, and even receive assistance with absentee voting. This platform simplifies a once-daunting process, particularly for first-time voters and those in areas with more complex registration requirements.

Another notable player is Outvote (funded by Y Combinator), a platform that empowers users to encourage friends and family to vote. Through a simple app, users can find their contacts who may not be registered or who have historically low turnout rates and send reminders, making voting a community-driven experience.

2. Combating Disinformation with Reliable, Non-Partisan Resources

In the digital age, misinformation is a significant challenge to the integrity of elections. Start-ups like BallotReady address this issue head-on by providing voters with accurate, non-partisan information about candidates, ballot measures, and election logistics. With partnerships in dozens of states, BallotReady’s platform ensures that voters have the facts they need to make informed decisions at the ballot box.

Similarly, Vote.org is leveraging data to reach underrepresented voters and equip them with unbiased information. Through digital ads, email campaigns, and partnerships, Vote.org seeks to eliminate confusion surrounding voting and bring more people to the polls.

3. Engaging and Mobilizing Underrepresented Voters

One of the critical goals of these start-ups is to boost turnout among populations that are often overlooked by traditional campaigns, including younger voters, minorities, and rural communities. Vote.org also plays a major role here, using targeted outreach to engage new voters. The platform's approach of using mobile-first design and data-driven strategies has made voting resources more accessible to millions of Americans.

Empower Project and Mobilize are other noteworthy platforms focused on grassroots mobilization. By coordinating volunteer efforts for get-out-the-vote campaigns, these start-ups are fostering community-driven turnout. Mobilize, in particular, has become popular among organizations looking to make it easy for their volunteers to participate in events, contributing significantly to volunteer turnout and voter engagement.

4. Increasing Security and Transparency Through Technology

Concerns about election security are as relevant as ever. In response, some start-ups are exploring cutting-edge technology to bring transparency and trust back to the process. Voatz is one such company, using blockchain technology for secure mobile voting in selected pilot programs. Although the platform has sparked debate around privacy and security, its innovations underscore the tech industry’s commitment to finding ways to make voting more convenient and trustworthy.

5. Real-World Impact of Civic Tech

The impact of these initiatives has been substantial. In the last election cycles, platforms like Vote.org and TurboVote registered millions of new voters and provided crucial election information to millions more. Through strategic digital outreach and user-friendly design, these platforms have made the process of voting accessible to those who might otherwise face barriers.

BallotReady’s detailed guides helped voters navigate local and national races, empowering citizens to cast ballots with confidence. Outvote turned voting into a social action, allowing people to advocate for democracy within their own networks, making voting a social movement as much as a civic duty.

Expanding Civic Tech: Upcoming Elections that Could Benefit

As we look beyond the United States, there are several upcoming elections where similar civic tech initiatives could help foster informed and engaged voters. Here are some examples:

European Parliament Elections (2024)

With millions of voters across multiple countries, accessible information and combatting misinformation will be critical. Platforms that provide multilingual, non-partisan information about candidates and issues, along with digital mobilization tools, could have a meaningful impact on voter turnout and engagement.

India’s General Elections (2024)

As one of the largest democracies in the world, India faces logistical challenges in reaching voters across diverse regions and populations. Civic tech startups focusing on mobile accessibility, voter education, and secure, transparent voting solutions could empower millions to participate confidently in the democratic process.

Local Elections in Kenya (2025)

Misinformation and low voter turnout are key issues in Kenya’s local elections. Civic tech platforms that focus on educating voters, enhancing security, and ensuring accessibility in rural areas could promote stronger democratic participation and community-driven mobilization.

The influence of civic tech is expanding globally, and its ability to engage citizens and remove voting barriers can support fairer, more inclusive elections worldwide. As more countries adopt these innovative approaches, the potential to empower democratic participation on a global scale grows ever stronger.

The Future of Voting: A Collaborative Effort

The work of these start-ups illustrates how technology can serve as a force for good in democracy, breaking down barriers to participation and fostering a more inclusive political landscape. These companies remind us that the act of voting is not just a right but a collective endeavour—and they’re using every tool at their disposal to bring more voices into the fold.