Tech for GOTV success, harnessing AI for multilingual voter outreach, and tech innovations reshaping the final stretch of this cycle

Reflecting on the historic 2024 Democratic National Convention, I’m still filled with an overwhelming sense of joy, hope, and purpose. For our team at Higher Ground Labs, this convention was more than just a political gathering – it was a powerful affirmation of our mission and the progress we’re striving to achieve.

Like so many others, we left the week energized by the ways technology is advancing democracy and reshaping political engagement. From our Innovation Lounge with Microsoft to panels on AI and Democracy, and discussions on mitigating AI-driven risks for women in politics, we brought together leaders, technologists, and innovators who are shaping the future of political technology. The energy and collective drive to “do something” – to take concrete action for meaningful change – was palpable throughout the week. For a full recap of our convention programming, check out our most recent blog post. ([link removed])

Scroll down below for what's coming up next at HGL. And I'll be watching the debate alongside you tonight!

Liv Ellis
Program Manager at HGL
Tech for GOTV Success: Innovations Showcase

On September 26th at 2PM ET, join Higher Ground Labs for a virtual showcase featuring case studies that highlight how easy-to-implement technology can make a powerful impact during GOTV. Learn how campaigns have quickly deployed these tools in the final weeks of their races to overcome challenges, boost turnout, and secure victories in elections at all levels.

This is your last chance to explore the most effective and innovative strategies available today, and learn directly from experts who have made a measurable impact. Discover how cutting-edge tech can drive voter engagement, refine targeting, and maximize volunteer outreach in the final weeks of your campaign.
GOTV Showcase RSVP ([link removed])
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HGL’s AI Research Hub

Over the last few months, we’ve been hard at work running tests and experiments with generative AI tools and tactics. We’re excited to officially introduce the research hub for the Progressive AI Lab! Check out our latest findings, ongoing projects, and strategic insights into AI applications in politics. ([link removed]) This dynamic resource will be regularly updated throughout the 2024 election cycle and beyond, providing progressive organizations and campaigns with cutting-edge AI strategies and best practices.

First up: As a part of our AI Content Experimentation Hub ([link removed]) , we’ve put together a one-stop guide for navigating how AI can help your teams create, edit, and caption videos more effectively ([link removed]) . Take a look ([link removed]) and let us know what you think by emailing [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
Check out the latest AI research ([link removed])
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HGL in POLITICO

It’s been a summer full of press for HGL! At the Democratic National Convention, we were especially excited to sit down with POLITICO’s Steven Overly to discuss how AI and technology can help Democrats secure victory in 2024. As campaigns increasingly rely on tech-driven solutions—like AI-powered tools for writing fundraising emails and targeting voters—the right technology can be a game-changer in tight races.

Tune in to the full conversation on the POLITICO Tech podcast ([link removed]) to learn about how AI is reshaping campaigns and why tech will be key in November, featuring insights from HGL’s Founder & Managing Partner Betsy Hoover, SoSha’s Co-founder & CEO Tudor Mihailescu, and Quiller’s Co-founder & CEO Hillary Lehr.
Listen Here ([link removed])
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AI for Multilingual Voter Outreach

Reaching and mobilizing voters across language barriers is crucial for progressives’ diverse coalition – but translating campaign materials and messaging can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. Generative AI is changing that, enabling campaigns to engage multilingual audiences faster and more effectively.

From enhancing translations for less common languages to tackling multilingual disinformation, GenAI is already transforming how campaigns engage with voters across languages. Tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Plural, and Quiller are making it easier to scale outreach while maintaining cultural competence. Read HGL’s blog post ([link removed]) to learn more about how AI is revolutionizing multilingual voter engagement
Read the Insights ([link removed])
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Utilizing Tech to Mobilize Young Voters

In the two days following Biden's withdrawal, Vote.org saw its highest levels of new voter registrations of the whole cycle, with 38,500 people signing up. Of the new voter registrations, 83 percent were from people aged 18-34. Last month we heard from 8 political tech companies deploying innovative solutions to harness this influx of new support into votes, volunteers, donations, and more.

Check out the recording of the Youth Vote Tech Showcase featuring: Social Currant, OpenField, Civitech, SoSha, Change Research, Daisychain, INTRVL, and Impactive.
Learn about the Innovative Solutions ([link removed])
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Arena Tech Stack Training

On August 29th, HGL’s Liv Ellis joined Arena’s GOTV Training for a session on building your campaign tech stack. Making large tech stack purchases can be stressful, especially for first-time buyers. A tech stack will influence your campaign’s data flow, volunteer experience, social media presence, and ad optimization.

If you missed the training, check out our down-ballot buyer’s guide ([link removed]) which features tools from Higher Ground Lab’s’ 2024 portfolio that specifically suit the unique needs of down-ballot races. We prioritized affordability, integration capabilities (with common movement tools like VAN, Mobilize, and ActBlue), and ease of use when compiling this guide. With these platforms, campaigns can run more affordable, effective programs with an even bigger footprint. To access the full list of tool options, visit the HGL Political Tech Portfolio Snapshots: highergroundlabs.com/snapshots ([link removed])
Access the Down-Ballot Buyer’s Guide ([link removed])
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AI Open Mic End Year Series

HGL recently concluded its AI Open Mic Series co-hosted with the Analyst Institute, Cooperative Impact Lab, and Research Collaborative. The series aimed to provide progressive practitioners with the best practices and connections to experts working at the intersection of AI and politics. The successful series engaged over 1,600 attendees across 8 different sessions throughout 2024. Our efforts wouldn’t have been possible without our co-hosts and guest speakers who continue to inspire the movement.
Watch the Entire Series ([link removed])
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VC’s for Kamala

We are proud to have joined over 1,000 venture capitalists, collectively managing $276 billion in assets, in endorsing Kamala Harris for President by signing the VCs for Kamala pledge.

We encourage any fellow VCs to add their names to the growing list of signatories and show their support for a future rooted in innovation, opportunity, and strong democratic institutions. Sign the pledge and join us in backing Kamala Harris for President in 2024.
Sign the Pledge ([link removed])
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Highlighting the HGL portfolio

Check out 50+ political tech job openings on the HGL Portfolio Jobs Board ([link removed]) . Apply to be a Product Marketing Manager at Greenfly ([link removed]) , Digital Support Organizer at Relentless ([link removed]) , Analyst at INTRVL ([link removed]) , and more.
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Congratulations to Greenfly ([link removed]) (HGL4) and SoSha ([link removed]) (HGL5) who powered the 2024 Democratic National Convention’s content creation. Thanks Daisychain ([link removed]) (HGL6) for supporting HGL’s efforts — we loved using their Charms ([link removed]) to power our DNC comms.

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The virtual event experts at Hovercast ([link removed]) (HGL2021) powered the wildly successful White Dudes for Harris call and other virtual fundraisers. Joined by celebrities like Jeff Bridges and Mark Hamill, the White Dudes for Harris mobilized 190K+ participants and raised $4M+, becoming the #2 trending topic that night.


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Grow Progress ([link removed]) (HGL2) reported a 200% boost in message effectiveness and a 500% increase in client testing since 2020. With over 2 million responses collected and 1,000+ rapid message tests conducted this year, the platform is driving major advancements in political messaging.

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BallotReady ([link removed]) (HGL1) released a new feature, Endorsement Tool ([link removed]) , to simplify candidate endorsements up and down the ballot. Designed in collaboration with their endorsing partners, this tool solves many common problems with making candidate endorsements, including a simple way to track your endorsements in one place and add endorsements earlier in the cycle.

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BattlegroundAI ([link removed]) (HGL 2024) was featured in WIRED ([link removed]) for their use of generative AI to create hundreds of ad variations in minutes, helping campaigns quickly develop targeted messaging while saving time and costs. Gen AI has the power to save both time and money—two of the most critical resources in campaigns. In tight-budget races, every efficiency matters.

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Jeremy Smith, CEO of Civitech ([link removed]) (HGL 2019), recently returned to The Great Battlefield Podcast with Nathaniel Pearlman to showcase Civitech’s newest tool, RunningMate ([link removed]) . They highlight the software needed to run a political campaign and solutions to fixing the ongoing voter registration deficit. Listen to the podcast episode ([link removed]) .

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Enjoy our content? Follow us on LinkedIn ([link removed]) for regular updates on political tech, innovations, and events and opportunities. See you there!

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