Facebook has announced its plans for the 2012 Republican and Democratic conventions. The social media giant will have a major presence at both events in an effort to boost its visibility as a vehicle of political power.
The conventions will feature social media conferences, social events, photo upload spots and the launch of the “I’m Voting” app. All of it is an effort to expand the reach of the convention, according to this week’s press release.
“We hope to give thousands of delegates, convention staff and volunteers, journalists, assorted dignitaries, and other attendees easy ways to share what they’re doing and seeing on Facebook. Expanding the sphere of social engagement will also enable people who aren’t attending the conventions to experience what it’s like to be part of the action with their family and friends,” the press release read.
One goal of Facebook attending the events is to increase the “digital dialog.” One event hosted by Facebook, along with The Atlantic and National Journal, will be a discussion exploring the relationship between social media and the 2012 election.
Facebook will also be hosting “Photo Spots,” where convention attendees can swipe a badge and instantly upload commemorative images to their profile or timeline.
But the biggest news to emerge from this week’s press release was word that a demo of the “I’m Voting” app would be launched at the conventions. Developed by Facebook and CNN, the app will let people display on their profiles who they are voting for and the issues they care about most. How that will look in the end is unknown, but it could have a positive effect for the election itself. By promoting voting, the app may get more and more people out to the ballot box (a lack of voters is always an issue). It’s also another way for Facebook to get involved with both your digital life and real life.
The move by Facebook to help promote the conventions is a huge plus for both parties. Now, instead of just a few hours of primetime television every night, the conventions will be invading everyone’s newsfeed – at least for a few days.
Image via Facebook