Stakes are high as Election Day 2018 nears

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - The stakes are high for Election Day 2018. Historically, midterm elections have a much lower turnout than say a presidential election; however, polling shows this year could be different.

FOX 29's Chris O'Connell reports.

The curtains of a voting booth may seem private but these days anyone who wants to find out your history inside the voting booth is now as easy as downloading an app. You may be just as surprised to know apps like Outvote can tell you a lot about the voting habits of friends, family and coworkers.

Actually, your name, political party and the last time you voted is public information. This app matches your contact list with public voter data to show or as some people say shame others into the voting booth.

Some political organizations like the Big Blue Wave are soliciting voters to text other Democrats urging them to vote. One man got a text to remind him he voted in the last 4 elections. he has no idea who sent it and one viewer got a voting report card showing participation compared to her neighbors.

"What do you think about shaming them?" FOX 29's Chris O'Connell asked. City Commissioner Lisa Deeley replied, "Whatever it takes. We need people to really, really get engaged in the process."

At the city's department of voter registration Philly Commissioner Lisa Deeley who heads up the city's election's office says using public data is completely legal and she says if you are going to the polls Tuesday.

"It's important to make a plan because some people aren't regular voters so your polling place may have changed since the last time you voted. So take a minute and go check it out and make sure your voter registration information is accurate," she said.

VOTER INFORMATION & RESOURCES