Miami Voting Location Finder

Civic engagement platform for Miami-Dade County residents

Personal Project
2024
Civic Technology

Project Overview

This civic-focused web application addresses a critical need in democratic participation by simplifying the process of finding voting locations for Miami-Dade County residents. The platform demonstrates a commitment to using technology for community service and civic engagement.

The application integrates multiple data sources and mapping technologies to provide accurate, up-to-date voting location information. It features an intuitive search interface, interactive mapping, and comprehensive accessibility features to ensure all residents can easily access voting information.

This project showcases the intersection of technical expertise and civic responsibility, demonstrating how modern web technologies can be leveraged to strengthen democratic processes and increase voter participation through improved accessibility to essential voting information.

React
Google Maps API
Geolocation
Responsive Design
Accessibility

Civic Impact

Serves Miami-Dade County residents
Comprehensive location database
Multi-modal transportation options
Accessible design for all users

Application Interface

Miami Voting Location Finder showing Coral Gables search results with interactive map

Interface Highlights

  • • Interactive map centered on University of Miami area
  • • Precise location markers for voting sites
  • • Clean, intuitive search interface
  • • Distance calculations and travel times
  • • Responsive layout for all devices
  • • Accessible design patterns

Platform Features

Location Search
Flexible search options for finding voting locations
  • • Address-based location search
  • • ZIP code and neighborhood lookup
  • • Real-time search suggestions
  • • Geolocation-based discovery
Interactive Mapping
Visual representation of voting locations with detailed information
  • • Google Maps integration
  • • Custom location markers
  • • Detailed facility information
  • • Accessibility feature indicators
Transportation Options
Multiple routing options for reaching voting locations
  • • Driving directions and routes
  • • Public transit information
  • • Walking and cycling paths
  • • Estimated travel times
Election Information
Current election dates and important voting deadlines
  • • Election date tracking
  • • Early voting period information
  • • Registration deadlines
  • • Ballot information access
Accessibility Features
Inclusive design ensuring access for all voters
  • • Screen reader compatibility
  • • High contrast mode support
  • • Keyboard navigation
  • • Multi-language support planning
Community Impact
Features designed to increase voter participation
  • • Voter education resources
  • • Community outreach integration
  • • Social sharing capabilities
  • • Feedback and improvement system

Technical Architecture

Frontend Development
Modern web application with civic focus

Core Technologies

  • • React with JavaScript ES6+
  • • CSS3 with responsive design
  • • Google Maps JavaScript API
  • • Geolocation API integration

User Experience

  • • Mobile-first responsive design
  • • Accessibility compliance (WCAG)
  • • Progressive enhancement
  • • Cross-browser compatibility
Data & Integration
Reliable data sources and API integrations

Data Sources

  • • Miami-Dade Elections Department
  • • Official voting location databases
  • • Real-time facility information
  • • Accessibility feature data

Performance Features

  • • Optimized map loading
  • • Efficient data caching
  • • Fast search algorithms
  • • Minimal bandwidth usage

Community Impact & Goals

Civic Engagement
Strengthening democratic participation through technology

Primary Objectives

  • • Reduce barriers to voting information access
  • • Increase voter turnout through convenience
  • • Support informed civic participation
  • • Enhance democratic engagement

Target Audience

  • • First-time voters seeking guidance
  • • Residents new to Miami-Dade County
  • • Voters with accessibility needs
  • • Community organizations and advocates
Accessibility & Inclusion
Ensuring equal access to voting information

Inclusive Design

  • • Multi-language support planning
  • • Screen reader optimization
  • • High contrast visual options
  • • Simple, clear navigation

Community Reach

  • • Serves diverse Miami-Dade population
  • • Supports voters with disabilities
  • • Accommodates various technical skill levels
  • • Works on all device types

Future Development

Planned Enhancements

Multi-Language Support

Spanish and Haitian Creole translations to serve Miami's diverse linguistic communities.

SMS Notifications

Election reminders and important voting deadline alerts via text messaging.

Voter Registration Integration

Direct links to voter registration status checking and registration services.

Candidate Information

Ballot previews and candidate information to help voters prepare before election day.

Expansion Opportunities

Statewide Expansion

Extend platform coverage to other Florida counties and eventually statewide implementation.

Community Partnerships

Collaborate with civic organizations and community groups for broader outreach and impact.

Project Impact

Civic
Technology Focus
Community service
100%
Accessible Design
WCAG compliant
Real-time
Data Integration
Live information
Mobile
Optimized
All devices

Interested in Learning More?

This project demonstrates the application of technical skills for civic good, showcasing API integration, responsive design, and accessibility best practices in service of democratic participation.