Sample Ballot Customizations Power Informed Choices
On November 4, Americans voted in elections across 34 states, including closely watched contests in New York City, California, New Jersey, and Virginia. Many races saw a surge in turnout compared to 2021, underscoring American voters’ enthusiasm to participate and the high stakes of elections nationwide. Ahead of Election Day, Democracy Works continued to innovate with TurboVote, deepening our commitment to constantly improving the voter experience.
This fall, we launched Sample Ballot Customizations (Beta), a powerful feature that allows TurboVote partners to mobilize their audience with custom voting guidance. Partners can now add customizations directly to users’ Sample Ballots and Election Guides in TurboVote, delivering trusted information exactly where voters need it. Sample Ballot Customizations allow partners to endorse candidates and measure positions that align with their values, describe what’s at stake, and highlight the races and measures that are most impactful for their audience. With important contests always on the ballot, customizations provide cues and additional context to help TurboVote users make informed voting decisions.
Before Election Day, several TurboVote partners took advantage of the Sample Ballot Customizations beta launch to inspire their audience ahead of key contests. In Texas, voters considered 17 statewide ballot measures, covering issues such as taxes, criminal justice, and healthcare. TurboVote partner The Gay Liberal added endorsements for each statewide measure, equipping followers with trusted recommendations at a glance. Such guidance is helpful for ballot measures written in technical, complex language, which can serve as a barrier to confident participation.
TurboVote partner The Gay Liberal used Sample Ballot Customizations to guide supporters and endorse positions for 17 statewide ballot measures in Texas. Note: These endorsements represent the views of The Gay Liberal, NOT TurboVote or Democracy Works.
Meanwhile, the Muslim Community Association (MCA) added an endorsement for California’s Proposition 50, a special election held as part of the nationwide clash over redistricting. MCA drafted a custom description outlining its position on the measure, providing community members with additional context for the election. Combined with TurboVote’s plain-language, nonpartisan explanation of what a “yes” vote would mean—a standard fixture on all Sample Ballots—this description empowered users with voting insights from an organization they trust.
MCA endorsed Prop 50, California’s redistricting ballot measure, and added a brief description to provide additional context and explain its stance. Note: This endorsement represents the views of MCA, NOT TurboVote or Democracy Works.
TurboVote campus partners also created customizations to motivate and inform young voters with nonpartisan guidance. Agnes Scott College explained the role of Georgia’s Public Service Commission—an office that had not appeared on general election ballots since 2020 and could be unfamiliar to first-time voters. TurboVote partners have complete flexibility to build Sample Ballot Customizations that fit their mission and audience.
Agnes Scott College informed students about the role of Georgia’s Public Service Commission, breaking down the duties of the lower-profile but essential office.
Looking Forward to 2026
Heading into a consequential midterm election year, Democracy Works is excited to expand the reach of Sample Ballot Customizations and work directly with partners to amplify their impact. Early-adopter Saint Xavier University has already added an election description for the March 2026 Illinois Primary Election, underscoring partners’ enthusiasm to take advantage of this new opportunity. Over the coming months, we look forward to optimizing the ballot customization experience, innovating for our partners, and empowering Americans—everywhere—to vote with confidence.
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