About Vote Sustainability
As I questioned the impact of my individual efforts to care for the world we live in, reducing my red meat intake, recycling whenever possible, driving less, and taking fewer flights, I was told that one of the most impactful things I can actually do is vote for and influence the officials who represent us, because they can push for more systemic change. As an immigrant, the 2026 midterm primary will be the first time I vote in the United States, and that inspired me to start this project.
When I began preparing to vote, I realized how hard it can be to find reliable information. I did not know which offices were up for election or who the candidates were. When I asked an AI tool to search for the U.S. House candidates in my district based on my address, even it got the answer wrong. That helped me understand why it is so easy to vote based only on party label, name recognition, or a quick impression. True story: a little-known candidate with a name that sounded like a senator's was elected.
Vote Sustainability is my attempt to make the voting process easier and invite more community input. The goal is to compile information for selected races and present it side by side, so voters can better understand their choices. In this pilot version, which begins with selected California races, including the U.S. House, U.S. Senate, State Senate, and State Assembly, we focus on making candidate information easier to find, review, and compare in one place.
We also reference voting records and endorsements from established environmental organizations, including the League of Conservation Voters and California Environmental Voters to help voters understand how elected officials have voted on environmental, climate, public health, and democracy-related policies. Both organizations use public, well-documented methodologies to evaluate officials based on selected votes and actions while in office. We also try to identify each candidate's official campaign website and use AI tools to summarize their stated priorities and environment-related positions, so voters can more easily review and compare both the candidates' own statements and relevant public records side by side.
This project is starting as a California pilot for the 2026 midterm primary. I know it will not be perfect, but I hope it can become more useful with your feedback. If you notice missing information, errors, or ideas for improvement, please leave a comment or send me feedback. Thoughtful voting is easier when we help each other find better information.