Get-togethers made for our community.
We're building a handful of ways for the autism community here in Polk County to spend time together in person: Ballot Parties, where small groups preview what's on the ballot together, and sensory-friendly movie events, starting in Lakeland and then Lake Wales. We're still working out the details on all of them. This page will be the first place we post when something's ready to attend.
What we're building
Sensory-friendly movie events
Judgment-free, sensory-friendly movie showings for autistic kids, adults, and their families. Starting in Lakeland, then Lake Wales.
Ballot Parties
Small groups that preview what's on your ballot together, talk through the issues that affect the autism community, and see each candidate's record and public statements, with sources. We start once 25 people join our Sway group. No recommendations, just facts.
More events, announced soon
We're planning more ways to be together, and we'll share each one here first. Tell us what you'd like to see.
Join our Sway group to unlock Ballot Parties
We need at least 25 people in our Sway group before we can host a Ballot Party.
Sway is a free, nonpartisan platform where voters preview their ballot and see where candidates stand. Our group is where Ballot Parties start. Join now, invite a friend, and help us reach 25.
Joining the group doesn't mean we endorse anyone. We don't make recommendations in the group or anywhere else.
How a Ballot Party works
Preview your ballot.
See every race on your ballot in one place, based on your address.
Talk it through.
Discuss the issues that matter to your family with people who get it.
Add your comments.
Jot down questions and notes as you go, so nothing gets lost.
Make your own picks.
Mark your choices privately. We never see them, collect them, or suggest them.
Leave with your voter guide.
Take home a personal guide with your notes and choices to use when you vote.
What a Ballot Party brings, and what it doesn't
What we bring
- Candidates' official voting records, linked to the roll call.
- Candidates' public statements, in their own words, with the source.
- Plain-language background on each issue, sourced to the law.
- The same information for every candidate on the ballot, in the same format.
What we don't do
- We don't recommend, rate, rank, or endorse candidates.
- We don't tell you how to vote, and our hosts don't share their own picks.
- We don't work with any candidate, campaign, or political party.
- We don't collect or store your picks.
Built for our community
Every event we host is designed to be sensory-friendly: a small group, a quiet space, breaks whenever you need them, and no pressure to talk or participate. Autistic adults, parents, caregivers, and allies are all welcome, at any event we run.
Get notified
Tell us you're interested and we'll let you know as events are scheduled near you.
Want a Ballot Party to happen sooner? Join our Sway group too.
The Loop Initiative is nonpartisan. We don't endorse or oppose any candidate or party. Ballot Parties are for voter education only, and every candidate on the ballot is presented the same way.