Replacing the Refs is a campaign from States United Action dedicated to identifying Election Deniers running for or holding political offices across the United States. Election Deniers have done things like falsely claiming former President Trump won the 2020 election, spreading lies or conspiracies about the election outcome, or refusing to certify election results. States United believes that election denial is dangerous to our democracy, especially among those in statewide offices (Governors, Attorneys General, and Secretaries of State) who control and oversee our elections.
For this campaign, States United Action partnered with The DataFace to build a public-facing resource about the threat that election denial poses. Our main objective was to develop a comprehensive, easily navigable website for tracking election deniers at the state, congressional, and national level. By documenting examples of election denial among both candidates and sitting officials, States United hoped to create a more informed electorate eager to check the people in power.
To realize the ambitious goals of Replacing the Refs, we first had to think deeply about our approach to data management. Utilizing Airtable as a lightweight database, we developed a robust system for cataloguing, reviewing, and approving individuals identified as election deniers. Members of the States United team could upload "proof points" (tweets, interviews, or other public statements) to Airtable as evidence of a candidate's status as an election denier. This system ensured the accuracy and comprehensiveness of our data, forming the backbone of the campaign.
The design and development of the main website was handled by The DataFace team. Our design philosophy emphasized clarity, user engagement, and mobile responsiveness to maximize reach and impact. The website features a variety of interactive maps, charts, and tables, making the vast dataset that States United had amassed both accessible and engaging for users. We chose Storyblok as our content management system (CMS) for its flexibility and ease of use, allowing States United to update the site's content seamlessly.
One of the significant challenges we faced was determining how to distill complex data into a user-friendly format, without oversimplifying the issues. Through iterative design and user testing, we achieved the right balance in the website's copy and interactive graphics. Another challenge was ensuring the platform was scalable and easy to update, because political races constantly evolve as new candidates emerge. Here, our choice of Airtable and Storyblok proved instrumental.
The Replacing the Refs campaign has made a significant impact in raising awareness about election denial across the United States. The website has been shared widely on social media, underscoring its resonance with the public and its role in fostering a more informed electorate. It's also become a trusted data source for the press in stories about election denial, highlighting its credibility and the importance of the information it provides.
The feedback from both the public and media affirms the effectiveness of our strategy in making complex information accessible and engaging. By providing a reliable and user-friendly resource, we have empowered voters to make informed decisions and hold elected officials accountable, thereby supporting States United Action's mission to safeguard democratic processes.
