Snapchat Launches Run For Office Feature For Gen Z Interested In Politics

Snapchat launches a new feature with millions in prizes. (photo: doc. unsplash)

JAKARTA – Snapchat launched the Run for Office portal for Gen Z who are interested in running for political office. In recent years, many social media apps have become involved in politics, encouraging their users to participate in the process.

For example, Facebook has long included options for people to help their friends register to vote, and Instagram and Twitter are common places for users to show off their "I Voted" stickers.

It's also not the first time Snapchat has appeared in the political realm. It started voter registration in 2018 and, in 2020, added voting guidance and checklists. Last year, more than a million Snapchat users signed up to vote using the app. Many are first-time voters, and the majority are under 30.

As per Snapchat's announcement, Run for Office Mini will allow users to find information about political offices in their area and explore issues of interest to them. The app will also give advice on what office is right for them. This includes "75,000 upcoming elections at the federal, state, and local levels."

In the campaign dashboard, users can learn what they need to do to get votes. They can also nominate and encourage their friends to run for themselves who they believe will be great future leaders.

Snap users can even campaign directly within the app. Snapchat will also connect people to candidate recruitment organizations, including Emerge America, Run GenZ, Run for Something, and the LGBTQ Victory Institute. These organizations provide training to launch campaigns.

To access this tool, swipe down on the camera within the app. It will be in the games and mini section or find it by searching. In details on how to use the app, NBC News explains that, once on the dashboard, users will be asked if they want to start or nominate a friend.

Then, users will enter their zip code to view competitions near them. The app will also ask the person to select their interests, choosing from categories such as economics, employment, social services, immigration, drug policy, and more.

The race list will also state whether they are at the local, state, or federal level. Once an office is selected, users will be provided with more details about the position, as well as information about the race in the most recent election.

Then, future candidates will learn what requirements are needed to run for the office, including age and location. Finally, users can work with Snap partner political organizations.

Then, Snapchat users can start their campaign. Per The Verge, Head of Policy Partnerships and Social Impact, Sofia Gross, said, “We hope the launch of the mini 'Run for Office' changes the idea of who can be in office — that it doesn't matter who you are, where you come from. , that you can make a difference in your local community by running for office based on the issues they care about most.”