MapLight Competitors

ProPublica is an independent, nonprofit newsroom that produces investigative journalism with moral force. We dig deep into important issues, shining a light on abuses of power and betrayals of public trust — and we stick with those issues as long as it takes to hold power to account. With a team of more than 150 dedicated journalists, ProPublica covers a range of topics including government and politics, business, criminal justice, the environment, education, health care, immigration, and technology. We focus on stories with the potential to spur real-world impact. Among other positive changes, our reporting has contributed to the passage of new laws; reversals of harmful policies and practices; and accountability for leaders at local, state and national levels. Investigative journalism requires a great deal of time and resources, and many newsrooms can no longer afford to take on this kind of deep-dive reporting. As a nonprofit, ProPublica’s work is powered primarily through donations. The vast bulk of the money we spend goes directly into world-class, award-winning journalism. We are committed to uncovering the truth, no matter how long it takes or how much it costs, and we practice transparent financial reporting so donors know how their dollars are spent. ProPublica was founded in 2007-2008 with the belief that investigative journalism is critical to our democracy. Our staff remains dedicated to carrying forward the important work of exposing corruption, informing the public about complex issues, and using the power of investigative journalism to spur reform.

Vote Smart (formerly known as Project Vote Smart), founded and endorsed by nationally recognized thought leaders such as former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford, is currently utilized by major search platforms and media outlets like Bing, USA Today and National Journal. Vote Smart is the premier non-partisan, non-profit citizen-driven organization devoted to voter education. It is funded entirely by tax-deductible contributions from individuals and charitable foundations. The "Voter’s Self-Defense System" now allows ordinary citizens to access biographical information, issue positions, voting records, public statements, interest groups ratings, and campaign financing information from current elected officials and candidates all at justfacts.votesmart.org or over the Voter's Research Hotline at 1-888-VOTE-SMART. In addition, citizens may find trusted information on issues, legislation, voter registration, and other political resources.

Ballotpedia is the online encyclopedia of American politics and elections. Our goal is to preserve and expand knowledge about politics by providing exceptionally high-quality, accurate, and objective information about local, state, and federal politics and policies. Our content includes neutral, accurate, and verifiable information on government officials and the offices they hold, political issues and public policy, elections, candidates, and the influencers of politics. Headquartered in Middleton, Wisconsin, Ballotpedia was founded in 2006. It has grown to include over 400,000 professionally authored encyclopedic articles that have garnered more than 1 billion page views.