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 election. 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.

• 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.

At this stage, Pine Tree Key covers only the 2026 gubernatorial election in Maine, with potential expansion in future election cycles. I have reached out to the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) concerning Maine's 2026 U.S. Senate race. If I receive green light, I will expand the tool accordingly.

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.

For full details, please review the Privacy Policy, which explains data collection, storage, and user control in plain language.

5. Compliance with Election Laws

• Pine Tree Key complies with all applicable state election laws.
• The tool does not engage in electioneering, direct advocacy, or endorsements for any candidate or political party.
• Any voluntary contributions are used solely for maintaining Pine Tree Key and related voter-education efforts. They do not create influence over the content or candidate representation within the tool.

6. Accuracy & Limitations

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

• Reflects how a candidate's perspective relates to the specific statements used on this site. Inclusion of a statement here does not mean that issue is part of a candidate's official platform or that it represents all of their views on the topic.
• Prioritizes information provided directly by candidates or their authorized representatives. When no direct response is available, I may rely on publicly available sources (such as campaign websites, interviews, news coverage, or official records) and use AI-assisted tools to help identify and summarize those materials. I review these summaries and make good-faith efforts to verify sources, but I cannot guarantee that third-party materials are error-free or that every quote or paraphrase precisely reflects what a candidate said or intended.
• Provides an informational tool only. Pine Tree Key is not a comprehensive voter guide, endorsement, or legal or political advice. Users should consult official campaign materials and additional sources 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 agree that Pine Tree Key is provided “as is” for informational purposes only and that any reliance on its content is at their own risk.

9. Governing Law (Jurisdiction)

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of the State of Maine, without regard to conflict of law principles.

10. Severability Clause

If any provision of these Terms & Conditions is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

11. 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.

12. Contact Me

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