Google Services
The project uses Gemini for the AI Election Guide. It is designed so the API key stays on the server through environment variables. The project can be deployed to Google Cloud Run or Firebase App Hosting, and the README explains how to configure Gemini securely.
I also added deployment-ready Google service support without pretending it is already live:
- Firebase Hosting can serve the static frontend.
- Firebase Hosting can rewrite
/api/** requests to Cloud Run.
- Cloud Run can run the Node backend.
- Secret Manager can provide
GEMINI_API_KEY in production.
- Firestore can store anonymous quiz-result metadata if enabled.
What I Learned
The biggest lesson was that civic education apps need both clarity and restraint. It is easy to add more facts, more cards, and more UI. It is harder to make the experience calm enough that a first-time voter can understand what to do next.
I also learned that AI safety is not only about one prompt. The app needs layered protection: UI messaging, local validation, server-side blocking, model instructions, and clear disclaimers.
Future Improvements
Future versions could add:
- Multi-language support.
- More classroom activities.
- Teacher dashboard mode.
- Offline-first content.
- A Firebase database for anonymous quiz analytics.
- Voice narration for accessibility.
- More detailed process modules with citations to official election education material.
VoteWise India is a small build, but the mission is important: help people understand the election process without pushing them toward any political choice.
Live app: https://votewise-india-api-366445017721.us-central1.run.app
GitHub: https://github.com/AdvikSharma917/votewise-india