This article was written by Katie Alexander and originally featured on KWQC on October 11, 2014.
New technology is giving Illinois voters a new tool to help keep up with the lawmakers who represent them. The VoteSpotter app, released by the Illinois Policy Institute, allows Illinoisans to closely monitor which bills their representatives are voting for and against.
In this digital age, experts say this phone application gives constituents more access to their lawmakers, both those in Springfield and in Congress.
“I think it’s a good idea. That way more people are informed that don’t get a chance to watch the news to get alerts. You’ll know right then and there what they voted for,” said one Illinois resident, Joy Ruby.
Dr. Christopher Whitt with Augustana College agrees, saying this phone application gives the public access to their lawmakers’ voting records sooner.
“Once voters access the application and start to use it, they’ll be able to figure out what’s going on in Springfield. They’ll be able to respond more to their elected officials,” he said.
Dr. Whitt says monitoring lawmakers through a phone application is a trend other states might follow, encouraging transparency.
“If lawmakers know that people are looking into what they’re doing on a day to day basis, even a minute to minute basis, they may be more likely to connect with those voters,” he explained.
That’s something many voters say is needed:
“I don’t know a whole lot about illinois politics, but it has got a horrible reputation. This may be a way to help people keep an eye on their legislators so they actually have to tow the line,” said Illinois resident Barbara Norris.
The VoteSpotter app, modeled after a similar phone app in Michigan, made its debut in Illinois just a few days ago.
At this point, there is not an app like it for Iowa.