Terms & Conditions

1. Purpose of Pine Tree Key

Pine Tree Key is an independent platform that I created to help Maine voters assess how their views align with candidates running in the 2026 gubernatorial and U.S. Senate elections. Users can evaluate policy-related statements (the “survey”) by selecting agree, disagree, neutral, or skip. Upon completion, users receive a match percentage showing how closely their views align with each candidate’s responses. A candidate comparison tool is also available to review positions in greater detail.

• Pine Tree Key is a non-partisan tool and does not endorse any candidate, party, or policy position.
• The results are for informational purposes only and should not be considered voting recommendations.

2. Use of the Website

By using Pine Tree Key, you agree to:

• Use the Website only for informational and personal purposes.
• Provide honest responses to the survey to ensure an accurate experience.
• Refrain from manipulating or misusing the tool, including automated interactions or unauthorized data extraction.

3. Intellectual Property

• The content, including the survey statements, design, and website structure, is owned by me and is protected by copyright and intellectual property laws.
• Users may share their results but may not republish, modify, or commercially exploit the content without my permission.

4. Privacy & Data Collection

Your use of Pine Tree Key is subject to my Privacy Policy, which explains how I collect, store, and process your data. By using this Website, you acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined in the Privacy Policy.

• Personal responses are stored locally on your device and are not saved on any servers.
• Basic website usage data (such as browser type and general analytics) may be collected for site performance improvements.
• No personally identifiable information is required or stored to use Pine Tree Key.

5. Compliance with Election Laws

• Pine Tree Key complies with all applicable federal and state election laws.
• The tool does not engage in electioneering, direct advocacy, or endorsements for any candidate or political party.
• Any funding sources or affiliations, including voluntary user contributions, will be transparently disclosed. Contributions do not influence the content or neutrality of the tool.

6. Accuracy & Limitations

While I strive to provide accurate and neutral policy statements, Pine Tree Key:

• Cannot guarantee that all candidates’ responses fully reflect their campaign positions.
• Is based on publicly available information and direct candidate submissions but does not independently verify candidate responses.
• Provides an informational tool only—users should conduct further research before making voting decisions.

7. External Links & Third-Party Content

Pine Tree Key may link to external sources (such as candidate websites or election resources) for informational purposes. I do not endorse or take responsibility for the content of third-party sites.

8. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law:

• Pine Tree Key is not liable for any decisions made based on survey results.
• I do not guarantee uninterrupted access to the Website and am not responsible for technical errors or site outages.
• Users accept responsibility for their interpretation and use of the information provided.

9. Changes to These Terms

I reserve the right to update or modify these Terms & Conditions at any time. Changes will be posted with a new “Last Updated” date. Continued use of Pine Tree Key after changes are made constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

10. Contact Me

If you have any questions or concerns about these Terms & Conditions, please contact me at dkayinmaine@gmail.com.