This site contains affiliate links, view the disclosure for more information.
Get ready for a power-packed day. It's Super Tuesday!🚀 Today's Emoji-A-Day post is about the importance and power of your vote. But that's not all – it's also International Open Data Day 📊 and World Information Architecture Day!🌐 Seems like a lot, but it all ties together. Ever wish you could change how elections work? What if reliable info was at your fingertips? Today, it's not just about voting, it's about the POWER behind your vote! 💥
Let's break it down:
Super Tuesday Breakdown
- What is it? - A huge day when lots of states hold primary elections to help choose political party candidates. 🗳️
- Why it matters - These results set the stage for the big national election in November and influence who we'll see on the final ballot. 🇺🇸
- Your voice counts - Every single vote plays a part, even when things feel overwhelming! 🙌
Open Data Power
Open data means public budgets, voting records, and policies are transparent. This means citizens can hold those in power responsible for their actions through transparency, accountability, fact-based decision-making. It puts the power of knowledge in your hands! 🔎💪🧠
- Transparency & Accountability - Open data means things like budgets, voting records, and policies are out in the open for everyone to see. Keeps those in power honest! 👀✅
- Fact-based Decisions - No more guessing – use open data to understand complex issues. Make decisions based on facts, not guesswork! 💡
- Tools for the People - Websites and apps powered by open data give us the knowledge to be active citizens. ⚒️✊
Information Architecture Matters
The way election information is designed affects how we participate. Clear, well-organized info = informed, empowered voters. Good design is democracy design! 📱💻🗳️
- Knowledge is Power - The way information is organized makes a huge difference. Clear design means clear understanding! 🧠
- Clear & Accessible - Good information architecture helps everyone understand complex topics, especially during elections. 💡
- Design for Democracy - How information is presented shapes how we participate.📋
✅ MOJI BITS & BYTES ✅
Geek out with us! This Bits & Bytes is all about inventions, problem-solving, and the future. 💡
- Did you know - Over a dozen states hold their primaries on Super Tuesday! 🤯
- Information is your superpower - Get empowered! Non-partisan websites break down candidates, ballot measures, & where your vote counts most.💥
- Tired of election rumors? - Bust myths with open data! Data.gov is the official open data site for the United States government. 💪🔎
- Website wizardry - Good information architecture makes voter registration websites a breeze. 👍
- Quiz time - Test your knowledge of how elections work with fun online quizzes. Search "US election quiz" or "How US elections work quiz" on Google, Bing, or Safari.🤓
- History alert - Explore the fight for voting rights throughout US history. 💻
- Open data deep-dive - Explore open government data in your area – search for "[Your City/State] open data" 🔎
-
Your vote matters! Elections have been decided by a single vote! 🤯 Yours could make the difference, particularly in local policies that affect you. ⚖️
-
Fact-check before you share! Misinformation spreads like wildfire online – protect your vote with reliable sources. 🕵️♀️
- Be a knowledge champion - Share what you learn, encourage friends to register, make your voice count! 🙌
- Imagine the impact if EVERYONE voted! - Only about 60% of eligible voters turned out for the last major US election and used their power and voted last time! That means 40% didn't use their vote. YOUR voice makes a difference-–make sure it's heard this election. 🚨 🗳️
Bonus Bytes
- Accessibility matters! - Is voting easy for EVERYONE in your community? Learn how you can help remove barriers to the ballot 🌐
- Adaptive technology makes voting possible! - Screen readers, magnifiers, and specialized voting machines empower voters with disabilities. 💻♿️
- Did you know? The landmark Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was only passed in 1990! This law protects the right to equal access in voting, employment, and public spaces. 💪♿️
-
Designed for Impact - Ever used closed captions or a screen reader? 📺👂 These are examples of assistive technology designed for accessibility... and they started because of Information Architecture principles!
"Your vote is your voice" - what does this statement mean to you? 🤔
🎆 INSPIRATION QUOTES OF THE DAY 🎆
~ The vote is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have ~
- John Lewis, American politician and civil rights activist
~ The essence of open data is simple: to make information freely available for everyone to use and republish as they wish, without restrictions ~
- Rufus Pollock, Founder of the Open Knowledge Foundation
~ Information architecture is like plumbing. It should be done well so people don't even notice it, because their focus is on the task at hand. ~
- Louis Rosenfeld, co-founder of Information Architecture Institute
Moji Challenge Prompt
- The Concept - Imagine your ideal voting experience. NOW use emoji to design a system that makes voting easier, voting data more accessible, or improves how election information is presented to the public.
- Instructions
- Problem ID - What frustrates you about the voting process? Long lines? Confusing info? Hard-to-find polling places? 😩
- Your Toolbox - Pick emoji that represent solutions: online registration apps, clear info websites, polling locations on bus routes, translation services, etc. 📱💻🗺️🚌
- Design Time - Arrange your emoji to map out your better election plan. Show the steps a voter would take and how your idea helps.
- Caption It - Explain your system and WHY it improves the voting experience for everyone.
-
Problem - Confusing ballot measures! 📜🤔
Challenge - Simple Ballot Breakdown
My Blueprint - 📜 (measure text) ➡️ 🧠 (easy-to-understand infographics) ➡️ 📊 (shows impact if it passes) ➡️ 🗳️ (informed voter) -
Problem - Long lines at polling places!
Solution - VoteWait App 📱👀⏰
Impact - Voters see wait times, choose less busy times or vote by mail -
Problem - Can't find election results? 📊🔍
Solution - Open Data Dashboard 📈📊
Impact - Clear, real-time data for citizens, journalists, etc.
- Moji Magic 🪄
Data Power - Design a visual celebration of how open data can bring transparency and insight. 🌟📊
- Unsung Hero - Is there a local journalist, data scientist, or activist who makes complex election information accessible? 📰💻
- Emoji Impact - Show how they take raw data and create something useful for the public: infographics, articles, maps, etc.
-
Specific Thanks - Focus on a project of theirs that informed voters and brought clarity to complex issues.
- OPTIONAL - If you want to create an IRL gift to commemorate their work, customize a product with a data visualization theme (graph, chart, etc.). It could be a mug, t-shirt, magnet or sticker!
- Use the Moji Customizer to combine emoji, (and/or upload your own image), text, and play with color and design for extra impact.
-
Moji Mashup 🗳️ + ⚠️ = ?
In this Moji Mashup we paired Ballot Box with Ballot 🗳️ emoji with Warning Sign⚠️ emoji to emphasize the importance of not using your vote. Check out our Facebook or head on over to Pinterest to see our final creation from the Google Emoji Kitchen today! -
Ballot Box with Ballot on Emojipedia 🗳️
Dig into the ballot box with ballot description, tech origin details, and unique emoji design versions across different platforms at Emojipedia, the ultimate emoji encyclopedia! 📚📲
-
Playlist - Elections are where change begins. Your vote is a tool to build the kind of world you want to see. The Power to the People Playlist fuels your fire for action, with songs of voting, defiance, and the power we hold together. Crank it up, get informed, and make your voice heard at the polls! 🗳️✊🎵
-
Vote 'Em Out - Willie Nelson - Wise country legend delivers a straightforward message about the power of voting for change. 🗳️
-
Vote, Baby Vote - Deee-Lite - Get your groove on and get to the polls with this funky, danceable anthem. 🕺💃
-
Get Up, Stand Up - Bob Marley and The Wailers
Timeless call for justice and resilience and stand up for your rights. ✊🏽
-
Rap is Man's Soul! - FalKKoneE, Rena
Fresh, powerful take on hip hop as a tool for expression and social change. 🎤🔥
-
Row Row Fight the Power - Paul Kuhan
Fierce French energy and a driving beat demand action and challenge the status quo.💥
-
This Joy - Resistance Revival Chorus
This uplifting chorus will fuel your spirit with joyful defiance. 🙌😊
- Same Old Lie - Jim James, Teddy Abrams, Louisville Orchestra - A soulful lament about the recurring patterns of injustice. 😔
-
We Shall Overcome - Pete Seeger - A timeless civil rights anthem of unity and hope. ☮️
-
Days of Decision - Phil Ochs - Folk icon Phil Ochs urges listeners to take a stand in this thought-provoking song. 🤔
-
Freedom of Choice - A Perfect Circle -
Alternative rock gem encourages you to break free from conformity and question authority. 🤘
-
People Have the Power - Patti Smith
Iconic anthem reminds us of the collective strength we hold. 💪
-
Never Give Up - Son Little
Soulful determination and perseverance. ✨
Building It Better Inspiration
You've rocked out to songs about change, resistance, and the importance of making yourself heard. Check out the entire Power to the People Playlist on Spotify. Now here's the challenge – keep that energy alive long after the music stops!💡🎶
Wrappin' Up
Today, we highlighted Super Tuesday, International Open Data Day, and World Information Architecture Day. Elections aren't set in stone! YOU have the power through open data, clear information, and your own vote to shape them for the better. Keep the spirit of engagement alive, every single day. Here's how:
Take Action
- Brush Up on the Issues - Not sure where candidates stand? Research unbiased voting guides! 🔍
- Double-Check Your Registration - Are you set to vote in the next election? Update your info or register for the first time with [link to voting resources].
- Find Your People - Join a local action group that aligns with issues you care about. Your voice is even stronger in a chorus! 📣
- Celebrate Small Victories - Progress may not seem immediate, but every step towards a better future counts! 🎉
- Spread the Word: Share one song from this playlist that fired you up and inspire a friend to vote too. It starts with a ripple! 🌊
Need Resources?
- Check out these non-partisan voter education sites:
- Register to vote or update your info: https://vote.gov/
- Find your polling place: Contact your local elections office or check their website
This playlist isn't just about the soundtrack to a moment; it's a call to ongoing action and tapping into your own power to make change. Let's keep fighting for a brighter, more just future for all! ✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽✊🏼✊
See ya tomorrow for another Emoji-A-Day adventure where we keep learning, creating, and discovering together! Believe in yourself – we sure do! ✨
🤳 COMMENT & SHARE 📲
Got feedback? 💌 Tag us and use #MojiMosaic for a chance to be featured in future Emoji-A-Day posts! Spread the good vibes! ☮️🖖❤️😊
