Revision [13809]
This is an old revision of APIandDataRequests made by KristenVicedomini on 2015-01-28 09:23:31.
Bulk Data, Research/Records Requests, and the API
Terms of Use and Enforcement
Use of our data is governed by the following:As of 2013, our key stated use policy is: "Project Vote Smart does not permit the use of its name or programs in any campaign activity, including advertising, debates, and speeches."
This is displayed on each candidate's Political Courage Test webpage, on our section describing what the political courage test is, as part of our website's copyright notice, and on our webpage "For Candidates." It is also distributed to all candidates as part of our Political Courage Test Bulk Communications. Violations of this particular policy are addressed as "Candidate Fights," while other violations are addressed by the National Director.
Data Restrictions for Redistribution
Data we're generally-comfortable giving out:-information sourced from the public domain (government websites, campaign websites, etc.)
-unique content generated by Project Vote Smart (for example, ratings reports, legislative summaries, PCT questions)
-candidate-submitted content that we otherwise display publicly
Content we are hesitant to give out, particularly with some guarantee:
-content we are using under fair use but do not have clear authorization to redistribute (speeches)
-content which may be of an unclear origin and thus our rights to redistribute are unclear (photos)
-candidate-submitted content not publicly-available on our website (except at the request of the candidate who authored it, journalists, and academics)
Content we will NOT give out:
-raw data provided by our data partners (though zip-to-district queries may be done via the API and our widget)
-information about our members and users (see: our privacy policy)
Special Delivery Mechanisms for Bulk Data Users (outside of our voter oriented tools listed here)
- As of 2014, we do not provide "data dumps" or bulk data that requires IT assistance or significant staff time, though this may be considered for a fee or for partners
- Our primary delivery mechanism for bulk data is through our API, though this typically requires the use of a developer
- Non-developers who wish to incorporate our content on their website may wish to use our widget, RSS feeds, and linking options available on our website
- We may allow "scraping" of our website on a case-by-case basis, but generally discourage this practice
- Special permission may be granted on a case-by-case basis to our PCT Archives (for journalists and academics only), as long as they abide by our terms of use
How To Use the API
Read:
API Crib Sheet
About the API
API Documentation
Undocumented API Methods (may only be given out on a case-by-case basis, with permission from the National Director)
Register for a Key to Access It:
Registration
