About Us
About Us
VoteWater, formerly Bullsugar.org, is a grassroots organization founded by Stuart residents in August 2014 on the belief that stopping the damaging discharges to our coasts and restoring the Everglades is not a science or engineering problem. The science has been known for decades. Our problem is a political problem - and it requires a political solution.
Our Mission
To fight political corruption in Florida by galvanizing public resolve to end the systemic pollution and mismanagement of our waterways.
Our Vision
To preserve and protect the public’s right to clean and sustainable water by:
- Identifying and elevating environmentally responsible candidates for public office;
- Influencing elected officials to advance and vote for clean-water policies;
- Conducting in-depth analyses and investigations into crucial clean-water topics to raise awareness and inspire activism rooted in a comprehensive knowledge of the issues.
We will serve as the voice and conscience of 22 million Floridians who recognize the importance of clean water to marine life, human life, and economic vitality.
Accomplishments
VoteWater has distributed more than 2,500 "Vote Water" yard signs; voters from coast to coast proudly displayed non-partisan commitments to support toxic discharge reduction, Everglades restoration, and every citizen's right to clean water.
Clean water found its political voice in 2022 as VoteWater provided statewide voter guides for the primary and general elections, highlighting the most competitive races with a clear difference in candidates. Analysis was based on responses to VoteWater's candidate questionnaires, voting records, personal interviews, public statements, and campaign contribution sources.
In an era where competing narratives crowd out the truth, VoteWater built a loyal social media audience by defining ourselves as a credible source of information. We communicate with more than 330,000 followers every day.
VoteWater's newsletter and blog helped a growing list of subscribers understand the political, scientific, medical, and technical dimensions of Florida's fight for clean water, from independent scientists' analysis of project plans, to water quality reports and medical researchers' guidance on toxic blooms. Readers have come to expect VoteWater to deliver the unvarnished truth, provide readable analysis that makes complex issues clear, and flag opportunities to speak up and take action.
When we can't find coverage for important stories, VoteWater has the resources and talent to do it ourselves. From primary research on Everglades flooding, drainage and water consumption to first-hand accounts of sugarcane burning and the fight to save dogs poisoned by Lake Okeechobee discharges, our original reporting has had an impact.
VoteWater's communications team is also an asset to mainstream news producers, helping journalists source and report stories for national media like The Atlantic, NPR/All Things Considered, and Politico as well as top-tier TV, radio, and print outlets across Florida.