Grindr, the popular sex-radar app that every gay friend of yours has used at least once and is probably logged into as we speak, is going to use its vast reach across the gay-male world for political ends this election season. They just launched Grindr for Equality, a do-good effort to promote voter awareness and encourage voter registration among the gay voting block, particularly in key swing states that are likely to decide this election. But will horny men trolling for a nooner really pay any attention to these pop-ups on their phone about something besides a nearby lube-wrestling event?

The company says it will use geo-targeted messaging to send notifications to men in those states about the locations of polling places, how to register to vote, and to inform them about candidates' stances on LGBT issues. The effort seems especially geared toward electing LGBT-friendly candidates to Congress. "Local elections have national impact," says Grindr CEO Joel Simkhai, "so we want to use Grindr as a tool for mobilizing and connecting gay men around the country to help make a combined national impact."

Sure, gay men represent an important piece of the liberal voting base, but sex and politics have never gone that well together. Granted, more than half the people on Grindr are probably just perving, trading pics, and shooting the shit while watching television, so why not try educate them a little or nudge them to vote? But those in a hurry to get to the actual sex aren't likely to read more than three words of those pop-ups before hitting "CLOSE."

Previously: Gay Online Meat Market Grindr Hacked, User Data Compromised

[HuffPo]