Organizing Latent Groups

The start-up company Popvox brings lobbying to the masses. The website provides a platform for advocacy groups and grass-roots movements to voice concerns on issues and bring those concerns directly to the representative, without an office on K Street.

Users provide their basic information and can anonymously post their support or opposition to a bill. They can post comments, or letters they have sent to their representatives as well. The site then compiles the data and packages it, organizing it by state, by district, and analyzing any geographic trends that emerge. The company has also developed a software widget for clients such as non-profits and advocacy groups to install on their websites. This helps lobbyists too. Organizations can get basic date on how much public support they have. One founder calls it a method for more strategic lobbying. With the information broken up by district, a lobbyist can determine which congressmen may be more sympathetic. The website is now also connected to the official House Democratic members’ intranet, so congressional aides can directly check the data on the site. 

The website is an attempt to lower the costs of collective action for the individual of a large, latent group. Instead of paying to set up a lobbying firm, individuals pay the site’s registration fee. It reveals the preferences of those parties most interested in the legislation more effectively than writing letters or making phone calls to congressional offices. If a group can galvanize enough people to register opposition, their congressmen may block the bill. The article cites the example of the Mobile Information Call Act. Two sponsors halted the bill and it was withdrawn because of the volume of opposition from their constituents. It may also help increase the costs of free riding. Any member can check where participation is weakest, and increase the pressure on individuals in that area to participate.