Forget the TV: How to follow Election Day online

TVs are so last century. News outlets are using Facebook Live, Snapchat, YouTube and other tools to offer live coverage of Election Day in ways not possible four years ago.

It’s a fitting close to an election season that has played out on Twitter and Facebook as much as it has on the nightly news, with debates live-streamed online and candidates barbing on social media.

Here’s your online guide for Tuesday. All times are Eastern.

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FIND YOUR POLLING PLACE AND MORE

Unless you’re one of the millions of Americans who have already voted, it’s a good idea to find out where to cast your ballot, preferably before Tuesday. Googling “how to vote” will take you to localized results that include the times the polls are open and any requirements such as an ID. You can also enter your address to locate your polling place.

Facebook’s elections tool will show you what’s on your ballot and where various candidates stand on key issues. The information comes from the nonpartisan group Center for Technology and Civic Life, which also generates some of the data for Google searches such as “what’s on my ballot.” To get started, go to https://www.facebook.com/elections/yourplan (you’ll need a Facebook account).

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SNAP AWAY

Among other things, Snapchat users will be able to see “live stories” on the app – showing people at the polls, election results, acceptance and concession speeches and election night celebrations. In the U.S., users will see overlays they can add to their snaps.

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FACE-OFF ON FACEBOOK

NowThis, a news outlet aimed at millennials, will have video coverage on its Facebook page. Comedian Jordan Carlos will host the stream, called “No Sleep til POTUS.”

CNN will have live coverage with reporters in battleground states, as well as drone shots of voting locations and international reaction throughout the day. Each hour from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. will be streamed from a different location. After 6 p.m., the network will continue Facebook Live streams from various locations, including watch parties and, again, battleground states.

The Washington Post is planning live programming on its Facebook page beginning at 7 p.m. The show will include commentary and updates from Post reporters, including those at campaign headquarters for both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.

The New York Times will also stream election coverage on its Facebook page, beginning at 4:30 p.m., from locations such as polling stations, college campuses and election viewing parties.

Other news outlets with live streaming plans include Univision, PBS NewsHour, the Daily Caller, ABC News and Vox.

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TWITCH ALONG WITH TWITTER

Twitter is partnering with BuzzFeed News for a live stream from BuzzFeed’s New York headquarters. The stream will begin at 6 p.m. Twitter says segments will include critiques of traditional news outlets and how they are covering the election, as well as live reports from BuzzFeed journalists at various locations throughout the U.S. and elsewhere. Go to http://election.twitter.com. You don’t need an account.

On Monday, Twitter also launched “official” election hashtags, which include an emoji icon of a ballot box, next to the hashtag “ElectionDay” and “Election2016.” With at least one scam trying to tell Clinton supporters to vote by text, Twitter reminded users that you cannot vote by text or tweet – but you can send direct messages to the Twitter-owned @gov account to find where your polling place is.

Republished with permission of the Associated Press.