idealist.org

TheyWorkForYou: Keeping Tabs on Politicians

By Flickr user wwarby
With the U.S. presidential election only a few weeks away, information is coming at voters from all sides. I know I'm having a hard time keeping track of what is fact and what is fiction. Take the first presidential debate in Mississippi, for example: Obama would consistently point to McCain’s voting record in the Senate, while McCain would refute components of Obama’s energy plan. Each candidate claimed the other was wrong. But what if, instead of sifting through all of the blogs, articles, and videos, you could simply go to one objective place and verify for yourself where each candidate stands?

The United Kingdom is doing just this. Seeking to alleviate confusion among the public, TheyWorkForYou.com is a website that aims to hold politicians accountable to their word. You can browse debates in Westminster Hall about topics ranging from housing to bovine tuberculosis, for example, or read written statements from House of Commons members about national defense. A project of MySociety, the British organization that gave you Pledgebank, the platform is a great way to let you know what’s up with elected and unelected representatives not only in England but in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales as well. In true democratic fashion, you can also comment and engage in dialogue with others.

I’d love to see this idea replicated in the United States—and for that matter, in every country in the world, democracy or not. What do you think?

This post is by Celeste, who wrote recently about idea lists.