How do you keep up to date with political issues? Some scroll through their Facebook feeds, while others get their daily fix reading the newspaper. But soon, we’ll be able to access the latest headlines in a more digestible manner, as Snapchat branches out into the world of politics.

The 2016 elections in the US and UK may be making headlines, but democracy's messy embrace now stretches far beyond politics, with social media offering people a say on almost anything. How can brands make the most of the consumer vote without ending up with egg on their faces?

A lack of interest in politics and a belief that your vote won't make a difference have resulted in worryingly low turnouts for elections. But social media may be the way to reach potential voters; a 17-word Facebook reminder resulted in a wave of online registrations to vote across the US.

Most of the concern about how America will vote in the upcoming election is focused on which candidate will win. But in Idaho, officials are also concerned about when and where people can vote. Taking inspiration from food trucks, they've created a mobile voting booth.

Over the past 35 years, US national debt has been steadily rising, with new analysis suggesting that the sum will equate to around $66,000 per person by 2026. This issue is now weighing heavy on young people's minds; Gen Yers are more concerned than ever about America's debt.

In the US, there’s a huge gap between the number of eligible voters and those that actually make themselves heard on election day; around 93 million Americans didn’t cast their ballot in 2012. How has Hillary Clinton’s campaign harnessed digital platforms to engage people and get out the vote?

As many as 28% of Americans would consider moving to Canada rather than remain a US citizen under the dictate of Donald Trump. Air Canada has pounced on this opportunity to sell flights to America’s northern neighbour. But should brands really delve into political discussions?

As Americans prepare to elect a new president, what qualities are they looking for in their future leader? What values do they idealise, and what traits are non-negotiable? Canvas8 sat down with 20 men and women from across the US to find out what they think makes prime presidential material.