Privacy policy

The short version

• You do not need an account to browse. We do not ask for your name or email to read.
• We count visits with Google Analytics. We turn it off if your browser asks us not to track you.
• Accounts exist for candidates claiming their page and for site administrators. We collect only what those need.

What we collect

When you browse. Like any website, our servers receive your IP address, browser type, the page you asked for, and the time. We use this to run the site, to limit abuse (for example, too many sign-in attempts from one address), and to fix problems. It is kept in standard server logs for a limited time.

Search. The words you type into the search box are sent to our server so it can suggest and list results. We do not build profiles from them. Because a search page's address includes your search words, they can appear in server logs.

Visit statistics. We use Google Analytics 4 to learn which pages are read, roughly where visitors come from (country or city), what kind of device and browser they use, and which site referred them. Google sets cookies for this and receives your IP address, which it uses to work out the approximate location. We do not load Google Analytics if your browser sends a Global Privacy Control or Do Not Track signal, and we do not load it for signed-in administrators. Google explains how it uses this data at policies.google.com/technology/partner-sites, and offers a browser add-on that turns Analytics off at tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout.

If you make an account. We store your email address, an optional name, and your password in scrambled (hashed) form, so no one can read it back. While you are signed in, a session cookie keeps you signed in.

If you claim a candidate page. We store the note you send us so an administrator can check that you are the candidate or their representative. If your claim is approved, the website address and statement you submit are published on the candidate's page, with your statement labeled as coming from the candidate.

Your state and email updates

Choosing a state. On your first visit a small box may ask which state you vote in. It is optional. If you choose one, we save the two-letter code in a cookie on your device so the home page can show that state's races first. You can change it with the "Change state" link on the home page, or clear the cookie in your browser. If you say "Not now", we remember that on your device for 30 days so the box does not keep returning.

Email updates. After you choose a state, the box asks whether you want updates about that state's races. If you enter an email address, we store the address and the state you chose, and nothing else about you. We use it only to tell you about elect.link and the races in your state. We do not sell it or share it for advertising. To be removed, write to [email protected].

Cookies

• Sign-in cookie. Set only when you sign in. Needed to keep you signed in; removed when you sign out or it expires.
• State cookie. Set only if you choose a state. It holds the two-letter state code and lasts a year.
• Google Analytics cookies. Set only if you have not sent a Do Not Track or Global Privacy Control signal. They tell Google which visits come from the same browser.

We do not use advertising cookies or tracking pixels.

Information about candidates

Candidate pages describe people who are running for public office. We assemble them from public sources such as election offices, campaign finance filings, official campaign websites, public voting records and news coverage, and every claim links to the source it came from. They receive candidate names and public web content, never information about our visitors.

If something on a candidate page is wrong, or you are a candidate and want it corrected or removed, contact us at [email protected] and tell us which page and which statement. Candidates can also claim their page to add their own statement.

How we use information

• To show you the site and keep it running and secure.
• To understand which parts of the site are useful so we can improve them.
• To run accounts, and to review and publish claimed candidate pages.
• To answer messages you send us.
• To follow the law and protect the site and its users.

Who sees it

It is seen by the people who run the site, by the companies that host it and provide it with infrastructure, and by Google for the visit statistics described above. We may disclose information if the law requires it, or to protect the site and its users from fraud or abuse.

How long we keep it

Account details are kept until you ask us to delete the account. Server logs are kept for a limited time and then removed. Analytics data is kept according to Google's settings for our account. Statements published on a claimed candidate page stay until the candidate or we remove them.

Security

The site is served over an encrypted connection, passwords are stored only as hashes, sign-in attempts are rate limited, and the administration area is restricted to approved administrators. No system is perfectly secure, so please use a password you do not use elsewhere.

Your choices and rights

• Browse without an account, and without analytics by turning on Global Privacy Control or Do Not Track in your browser, or by using the Google opt-out add-on above.
• Ask to see, correct or delete the personal information we hold about you, including closing your account, by contacting us.
• If you live in California or another place with privacy rights by law, those rights include knowing what is collected, asking for deletion or correction, and not being treated differently for using them. If you live in the European Economic Area or the United Kingdom, you can also object to or ask us to restrict how we use your information, and complain to your data protection authority.

We may need to confirm that a request comes from you before we act on it.

Children

elect.link is for a general audience and is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you think a child has given us information, contact us and we will delete it.

Changes to this policy

If we change how we handle information, we will update this page and its date. For a significant change we will say so on the site. Please also read our terms of service.

Contact

Questions or requests about privacy: [email protected].