Before 2008, winning an election didn’t require a social media strategy, or even a Twitter or Facebook account. Now running for any public office without a strong social media presence almost automatically sets a candidate up for failure. Startups are helping to engage voters in the political process, and providing tools to politicians. VoterTide is providing social media analysis to quickly figure out what issues supporters care about and react quickly to breaking news. Other startups like Votizen and Votifi are trying to make sure that voters aren’t just involved in the political process every four years, but every day.