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MapLight creates technology to improve democracy.

About MapLight

MapLight designs, builds, and operates software and data systems to improve democracy and advance policies in the public interest. We specialize in campaign finance, voter information, government data, and other data-driven applications. We serve governments, nonprofits, and other organizations seeking transparency, accountability, and other positive social impacts.

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We believe that everyone deserves an equal voice in our democracy. We support reducing the influence of special interests on government, protecting and strengthening the institutions of democracy, and providing a just society, economy, and environment for everyone. We are nonprofit and nonpartisan.

Track Record

MapLight, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has been developing and operating innovative technology in the public interest since our founding in 2005. Highlights of our work include:

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  • Campaign finance information systems for government that provide unprecedented transparency for the public and industry-leading efficiency for agency staff. Our clients include the California Secretary of State and the City and County of Denver, Colorado.

  • Voter information systems, including Voter’s Edge, a nonpartisan voting guide serving two million voters in California each election season. Voter’s Edge is a partnership of MapLight and the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund.

  • Innovative data tools that combine campaign contributions and votes in Congress. Our data tools and research services highlight patterns of special-interest influence, for transparency and accountability.

  • Analysis and journalism about the influence of special interest on government. MapLight’s data and reporting have appeared in more than 13,000 news stories and been seen, read, or heard over 300 million times via outlets including ABC News, Bloomberg, the Chicago Tribune, CNN, Fox Business News, Huffington Post, The Intercept, International Business Times, Newsweek, Politico, the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, The New York Times, and hundreds more.

Awards

  • Society of Professional Journalists Northern California – Board of Directors’ Distinguished Service to Journalism Award, 2015

  • World Affairs Council – NextGen Changemakers: Civic Innovation, 2014

  • American Library Association’s MARS: Emerging Technologies in Reference – Best Free Reference Web Site, 2012

  • James Madison Freedom of Information Award from the Northern California Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists – 2009

  • Library Journal – Best Reference, 2008

  • Knight-Batten Award for Innovations in Journalism – Honorable Mention, 2008

  • NetSquared Innovation Awards – Finalist, 2008

  • Webby Awards Best Politics Website – Nominee, 2008

  • Stockholm Challenge Award for Public Administration – Finalist, 2008

  • U.N. World Summit Award for e.Government – Winner, 2007

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