One of the largest online social networks has introduced a localized “I’m a voter” button in recognition of Colombia’s presidential elections, national media reported Saturday.
Local Facebook Director Sandra Quintero announced that the social network will introduce a special button for Sunday’s presidential elections, allowing voters to advertise their participation in the political process via their Facebook “status,” SantaFe Radio reported.
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“There are 17 million people with voting age on Facebook in Colombia, so we decided to enable the button on May 25 for people who voted to share it with their friends ” said Quintero.
The feature does not, she clarified, include any indication of political affiliation.
The button was first introduced in the United States during the 2010 midterm elections, and its success led Facebook to introduce it in other countries, such as India, South Korea, Colombia, New Zealand, and various countries in Europe.
According to the Reuters press agency,”I’m a voter” has been helpful in encouraging voter turnout. In 2010, for instance, it is believed that 340,000 US citizens voted after seeing their friends’ statuses.
Colombia’s presidential elections will run from 8AM Sunday until 4PM local time. Results will be posted on the National Registry’s website and synthesized by Colombia Reports throughout the afternoon and evening.
Sources
- Facebook presenta en Colombia su botón ‘Soy votante’ (Santafe Radio)
- Facebook to roll out ‘I’m a Voter’ feature worldwide (Reuters)