CANDIDates: A Platform for Democracy in a Post-COVID World

The coronavirus pandemic has revealed a critical element of poor health within democratic institutions: dysfunctional communication between citizens and elected representatives. Throughout the crisis, citizens have struggled to access a clear line of communication with the officials who are accountable for their safety. Simultaneously, politicians have struggled to balance civil liberties with necessary public health measures. 

CANDIDates is a new social media platform that rejuvenates accountability and direct communication between constituents and representatives. Gone are familiar routines like political interns copying and pasting letter templates on behalf of officials. Through candid dialogue and verifiable information, CANDIDates addresses the breakdown of democratic discourse that the pandemic worsened. 

After creating a public profile, CANDIDates provides users with an interactive platform to facilitate meaningful policy outcomes. Where existing social media platforms have only exacerbated the prevalence of misleading information and hostile opinions, CANDIDates is a communicative channel that restores citizen trust in democracy.