Enabling Voter File Integration

Enabling Voter File Integration

You can enable matching to the voter file in Empower. Connecting to VAN requires an existing API key while anyone can connect to Catalist.

Enabling Voter File Integration

  • From the Organization tab, select Enable under Voter File Integration




  • Then select Catalist or VAN / EveryAction

    • If you select VAN / EveryAction, you will need to provide an API key. VAN connections include: VAN, LAN, EveryAction, MyVoters, MyCampaign, MyMembers, and MyWorkers.

    • If you don't have a VAN API key, you will need to select Catalist if you want to match people to the voter file.




Connecting to VAN




  1. Save your changes

Connecting to Catalist

  1. If you select Catalist, you have the option to enable pushing data to VAN as well by entering your VAN API key.
    1. If Enable push data to VAN is selected, Catalist matches will be mapped to MyVoters and the standard behavior for pushing to MyVoters will apply. The data we push is an activist code (specified below) for any users and contacts in Empower, and we also push survey question responses (if you configure that in a call to action).

  1. Save your changes
  2. If you need access to Catalist data in California or Illinois, please follow the steps below as well.

Accessing Catalist data in Illinois

Illinois law requires organizations to have an FEC number or IL Board of Elections number in order to access voter file data, including through Catalist.


If you want to access Catalist data in Illinois, please reach out to your assigned Partner Success team member with that information, and we will enable access for you.

Accessing Catalist data in California

Empower is happy to help your organization use Catalist data for your work in California.  However, California law has additional paperwork that you need to fill out before we're allowed to give you access to that data.  In the past, this process has taken 2-6 weeks.

  1. California has certain security requirements that your organization must adhere to if you're accessing voter file data.  In particular, see Section 19012 of Title 2, Division 7, Chapter 1, Article 1 of the California Code of Regulations: "Requirements for Storage and Security of Voter Registration Information."
  2. Once you have confirmed you're good from a security standpoint, you can review the "Voter Registration Information File Request" on the Secretary of State website, fill out the request form that they link to ("Voter Registration Information File Application"), and mail it to the address listed on the upper right of the form. 
    1. Note that California tends to be strict about the complementary requirements, such as requiring a "wet signature" using an ink pen and having a clear copy of the applicant's driver's license.
    2. When filling out the "Explain in detail (1) your intended use of this information and (2) how the information will be maintained securely and confidentially" section, you can use this template letter -- you'll need to fill in context about your organization everywhere you see red.  We aren't your lawyers, so you need to use your own judgment and review everything to make sure it is accurate for your organization's context.
  3. Once you receive a response, please reach back out to Empower with proof that the California Secretary of State approved you, and we can enable your organization to access Catalist voter file data!

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