Vote Compass is an online tool that surveys users about their positions on a range of on a range of public policy issues and provides a personalised analysis of their fit in the political landscape. It is based on rigorous independent analysis of party platforms.

For the last six months, the team reviewed policy statements and consulted with party representatives from each of the parties in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This data was used to calibrate the parties using advanced statistical models that plot them in proximity to a Vote Compass user. 

Dr Pow, from the School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy, and Politics at Queen’s, was the lead expert on the Northern Ireland version of the app. PhD students Eoghan Kelly and Patrizia John, also based in the School, were part of the research team. 

Speaking about the tool, Dr Pow said: “Sometimes it can be difficult for voters to keep track of where parties stand on the issues they care about, even in an election campaign. Vote Compass is a tool to help people navigate party positions and see where they stand on the political map. 

“It is about helping voters to engage with the issues of the election. Not everyone has time to do a lot of research for themselves, so we want to make it as easy as possible for people to become informed through this accessible, independent, and carefully designed tool. 

"Whether someone has always supported a particular party or is considering voting for the first time, Vote Compass can give people the chance to think about what issues matter to them and to reflect on their options before casting their vote. It might even spark conversations between family and friends." 

Head of Politics and International Relations at Queen's, Professor Muiris MacCarthaigh welcomed the launch of the Vote Compass app in advance of the General Election. He noted: “As well as reflecting our strong, long-standing, and international research profile in the quality of democratic decision-making in contemporary democracies, Vote Compass is in keeping with the University's mission to bring evidence-based research to bear on public life locally and nationally.” 

Other notable political scientists from across the UK involved in the initiative include Professor Sir John Curtice from the University of Strathclyde; Professor Maria Sobolewska from the University of Manchester; Professor Phil Cowley from Queen Mary University, London; and Dr Jac Larner from Cardiff University.  

This is the first time Vote Compass, operated by Vox Pop Labs, has appeared in a UK election. Over the last 15 years, the tool has been featured in more than 50 elections worldwide and used by more than 35 million people. 

For more information about Vote Compass, please visit: https://votecompass.uk/  

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Media enquiries to Zara McBrearty at Queen’s Communications Office on email: z.mcbrearty@qub.ac.uk