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Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung

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Wahl-O-Mat is an interactive application designed to help users identify which political parties align most closely with their own views prior to elections. This app, available for the Android platform, serves as a valuable tool for voters seeking to understand the positions of various parties on key political issues. Users can download Wahl-O-Mat to engage with its unique features that simplify the decision-making process during elections.

The core function of Wahl-O-Mat revolves around a series of 38 political theses that users can respond to by indicating whether they "agree," "disagree," are "neutral," or wish to "skip" the thesis. This question-and-answer format allows individuals to express their political preferences clearly and effectively. The application then calculates the degree of agreement between the user and the registered political parties based on their responses.

Upon completion of the questionnaire, users can view their results, which highlight the parties with the most alignment to their personal beliefs. By clicking on the names of these parties, users can access brief descriptions and further insights into their platforms. Each party is presented with a scientific profile that outlines its foundational principles and goals, facilitating a deeper understanding of the political landscape.

Wahl-O-Mat includes a feature called "Tuning," which allows users to adjust their stated positions and the weight of each thesis. This interactive element enables individuals to see in real-time how their changes affect the overall results, providing a dynamic approach to political engagement. It fosters a more personalized experience as users can explore various scenarios and outcomes based on their preferences.

Additionally, the "party comparison" section offers a visual representation of how selected parties agree or disagree with one another on the various theses. This feature is particularly useful for users wanting to analyze the differences and similarities between parties, making it easier to navigate political alignments. Users can quickly ascertain which parties share common ground and where they diverge, promoting informed decision-making.

The application also provides detailed explanations for each thesis under the "Reasons for the theses" section. This part lists the positions and rationales of all participating parties in an organized manner, allowing users to understand the context behind each party's stance. The presentation is sorted by the responses of the parties, showcasing which ones agreed, remained neutral, or disagreed with the theses.

For those interested in a comprehensive overview, the "Viewpoints" feature aggregates all of a party's positions and justifications regarding the 38 theses. This summary offers a concise yet informative snapshot of each registered party’s political stance, enabling users to make informed comparisons at a glance.

Wahl-O-Mat has been designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring that it is user-friendly for individuals with varying needs. The app includes functions such as a read-aloud feature, which activates text-to-speech capabilities, allowing users to listen to the content on each page. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who may have difficulty reading or prefer auditory learning.

Furthermore, the app offers resources in plain language, making the complexities of political discourse more understandable for a wider audience. This commitment to clarity is essential for encouraging civic engagement among users who may be new to political discussions or those seeking straightforward information about the electoral process.

In addition to the core features, Wahl-O-Mat includes a sign language option, which provides video content in German sign language. This function expands accessibility, making the information available to a broader demographic, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

The app is intended as an informational resource rather than a voting recommendation tool. It empowers users to explore their political leanings and better understand the parties that are contesting elections. By engaging with the app, voters can make more informed choices based on a comprehensive view of party positions and policies.

Wahl-O-Mat is set to be particularly relevant for upcoming state elections in Germany, with availability scheduled for various dates. For instance, the Wahl-O-Mat for the state elections in Saxony will be accessible starting July 31st, while those for Thuringia and Brandenburg will follow in early August. 

In summary, Wahl-O-Mat serves as a practical tool for individuals looking to navigate the political landscape in a structured manner. With its features designed to enhance user engagement and understanding, the app stands as a valuable resource for those preparing to participate in elections. Users can download Wahl-O-Mat to gain insights into their political affiliations and make informed decisions at the polls.

The popular choice tool of the Federal Agency for Civic Education / bpb as an app!

Wahl-O-Mat

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