Question 1

What is Sway?

Accepted Answer

Sway is a non-partisan voting group platform that helps people organize to have the same influence as unions and lobbyists. You can join groups on different topics (or start your own). At election time, you'll get a voter guide from the groups you're in. The larger a group, the more influence it will have with elected officials who want their votes.

Question 2

What type of company is Sway?

Accepted Answer

Sway is a Delaware Public Benefit Corporation, or PBC. That's a company that's legally required to think about doing good for the world, not just making money. Our stated purpose is: "ensuring that governance represents the collective will of the governed, everywhere." In plain words — we want the people in charge to actually answer to the people they govern.

Question 3

Who's behind Sway?

Accepted Answer

Sway was co-founded by Claire Shorall, Ali Partovi, and Kayla Huang. Between them, they bring experience as organizers, technologists, and entrepreneurs. Sway is financially backed by Neo, Ali Partovi, Long Journey Ventures, and a few individual angel investors. Sway partners with advisors across the political spectrum, including people who disagree vehemently even with each other. We think this political diversity is a feature.

Question 4

How does Sway make money?

Accepted Answer

Sway does not currently make money — and has no plans to generate revenue anytime soon. Sway's sole priority will be to drive adoption and reach a critical mass of voters. So, like a lot of social networks before us, we're not in a rush to make money. But unlike many of them, we won't sell your personal data, and we're not building an algorithm designed to keep you angry or scrolling. Our incentives are different — so when we do eventually think about making money, it'll be aligned with our values.

Question 5

Who can use Sway?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who cares about a cause or candidate can use Sway. To lead a voting group, you need to be at least 13 years old. To make your voice count more, you can verify that you're a registered voter (U.S. only, for now). Not registered yet? You can register to vote at https://vote.org/.

Question 6

Is Sway for the US only?

Accepted Answer

No — anyone in the world can use Sway. Right now, we can only verify voter registration for people in the U.S. We're working on adding other countries over time.

Question 7

Can organizations use Sway?

Accepted Answer

Yes, plenty of organizations already do. If your organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, though, talk to a lawyer first — there are rules about nonprofits and political activity. You can also email us at hello@sway.co with questions.

Question 8

Can nonprofit leaders use Sway?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but carefully. Leaders of 501(c)(3) nonprofits may have extra rules to follow when it comes to political activity. Before using Sway, we recommend talking to a licensed attorney who knows your specific situation.

Question 9

Can candidates use Sway?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Candidates can use Sway and can ask their supporters to vote for them on their ballot.

Question 10

How do I download the app?

Accepted Answer

Sway is free to download on iPhone and Android. Get it here: App Store (iPhone) https://apps.apple.com/app/sway-vote/id6499108928 / Google Play (Android) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.sway.app. You can also use Sway right in your browser — no download needed.

Question 11

How do I update my voter registration on Sway?

Accepted Answer

In your profile settings, click "Verification Status" and then request to update registration. Once a voter registration has been used, it cannot be reclaimed. If you need additional support, email help@sway.co.

Question 12

What messages will I receive if I sign up for Sway?

Accepted Answer

Who can use Sway?

Is Sway for the US only?

Can organizations use Sway?

Can nonprofit leaders use Sway?

Can candidates use Sway?

How do I download the app?

How do I update my voter registration on Sway?

What messages will I receive if I sign up for Sway?

Question 13

How does Sway protect users' privacy?

Accepted Answer

How does Sway protect users' privacy?

Do I have to follow the voting recommendations I receive?

What type of topics does Sway allow?

Is my data ever sold or shared?

How does Sway know my voter registration status?

Question 14

Do I have to follow the voting recommendations I receive?

Accepted Answer

No. Your vote is always your own choice. No one will ever know how you actually voted.

Question 15

What type of topics does Sway allow?

Accepted Answer

We allow any topic that's legal in the U.S. — local or global, big or small. We don't filter, block, or boost any topic over another.

Question 16

Is my data ever sold or shared?

Accepted Answer

No. Sway is a Public Benefit Corporation, which means we're legally committed to acting in the public's interest — not selling out your personal data for profit.

Question 17

How does Sway know my voter registration status?

Accepted Answer

Voter registration is public record in most states. We use an API (a secure way for two systems to talk to each other) to check your phone number against public voter rolls. We never pull any information that isn't already public. If you're curious what's on record about you, you can always check directly with your state's Secretary of State.

Question 18

How do I join or start a group?

Accepted Answer

To join a group: 1. Enter your home address on the landing page. This shows your full ballot and any voter guides from groups already active near you. 2. Browse the voter guides and pick a group that matches what you care about. Tap to join. To start your own group: 1. Log in and make an account. 2. Tap "Build a voting group" and give your group a name and cause. 3. Share your picks for upcoming races — Sway turns them into a voter guide for your members. 4. Invite people to join. They'll verify their voter registration and commit to voting with you.

Question 19

What if my question isn't answered?

Accepted Answer

Sway is new, and we're still figuring out what people want to know. Email us at hello@sway.co and tell us what's on your mind — we'll add it here.

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