CBC News is partnering with Vote Compass for the B.C. provincial election this spring and we want to know which issues matter to you.

What is Vote Compass?

Vote Compass is an interactive online tool run during election campaigns that allows voters to compare their own views on a number of key issues with the platforms of political parties.

How does it work?

Vote Compass asks you a series of questions developed by political scientists based on key issues in a given election campaign.

It then compares your answers with the official party platforms to show how your views position you in relation to each of the parties.

This analysis is powered by an open database which contains a public record of each party's stand on the issues included in Vote Compass.

Who sets it up?

Vote Compass is a non-profit initiative operated by an independent, non-partisan network of academics from universities across Canada, including an advisory board comprised of several of the country's most distinguished scholars in the field of electoral politics.

Does Vote Compass tell me how to vote?

No. Every eligible voter decides for themselves which candidate is most appropriate to represent them. The purpose of Vote Compass is to generate interest in elections and to provide information on party platforms.

Has it been used before?

Yes, CBC has partnered with Vote Compass previously on the 2011 federal election and the recent provincial elections in Ontario, Alberta and Quebec.

Vote Compass has also recently partnered with the Wall Street Journal during the last U.S. presidential election, and with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation for the upcoming Australian national election.

How does it know the top issues in the B.C. election?

Political scientists at UBC and SFU are working with CBC's newsroom in Vancouver to develop a database of key political issues, based on an analysis of the party platforms, leading news sources, social media and public input.

And that's where you come in. We want to know what you think are the most important election issues.

How can I participate?

  1. Let us know what you think by tweeting your top election issues to @votecompass or emailing feedback@votecompass.com.
  2. Follow the conversation at #votecompass on Twitter.
  3. Watch for the launch of the Vote Compass tool on April 15, 2013 on www.CBC.ca/BC.