FiveThirtyEight and Facebook Launch Interactive Map to Gauge Candidate Popularity

FiveThirtyEight and Facebook are launching The Facebook Primary, an interactive map of the U.S. showcasing and comparing the number of page likes each of the candidates has across the states and down to the county level. The map, which will be updated periodically, provides a glimpse into each candidate's local support. View map HERE

Authored by FiveThirtyEight's computational journalist Matthew Conlen and visual journalist Reuben Fischer-Baum, the project allows readers to choose specific candidates and areas of the map to toggle and compare how candidates stack up against each other in particular counties and states. It also provides two separate data points: The first shows which candidates have the greatest percentage of likes in each state and the second depicts which contenders have the most disproportionate share of likes, relative to their nationwide share.

"The data isn't predictive of the election, but it is a revealing look at the preferences of many people who use Facebook and like the candidates' pages. Clicking the various states and counties on the map, while toggling on and off the colors of the candidates, can be an addictive experience." said managing editor David Firestone.

Image courtesy of ESPN Press