The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) has opened its submission portal for its annual National Clearinghouse Awards. This program, also known as “Clearies,” recognizes and honors best practices and innovation in election administration from state and local election departments and offices across the nation. This awards cycle will honor best practices and innovations throughout the 2022 primary and midterm elections.

Election jurisdictions of all sizes, including counties, are eligible for the contest and are encouraged to submit programs for consideration. While this is not a funding award, the Clearies are a great way for county election officials to highlight accomplishments in election administration at a national scale.

This year, the EAC will present awards in seven categories:

• Outstanding Use of HAVA Grants in Elections Modernization: Impactful initiatives or programs that were developed using HAVA grant funding. 
• Outstanding Election Official State Association Program or Local Office: Innovative and helpful programming developed by election official associations or exemplary work demonstrated by local election offices. 
• Improving Accessibility for Voters with Disabilities: Initiatives that help further voting access for people with disabilities while upholding the provisions in HAVA and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 
• Outstanding Innovations in Elections: Programs that use creative tools to improve election administration, while advancing new and innovative concepts. 
• Best Practices in Recruiting, Retaining, and Training Poll Workers: Programs that enhance the recruitment, training, and retention of vital election workers.
• Creative and Original "I Voted" Stickers: “I Voted” stickers that exemplify voter education, outreach, and community flair. For more information, see the EAC’s blog post announcing the launch of this category.
• Outstanding Innovation in Election Cybersecurity and Technology: Security-focused initiatives that safeguard voting systems and strengthen U.S. elections. 

Submissions to this year’s Clearies will be based on innovation and sustainability, outreach efforts, cost-effectiveness, replicability and general positive results. All entries and supporting materials should be uploaded through the EAC’s online submission form. There is no cost to entry and entries must be received by Tuesday, February 28, 2023. Additional guidelines for submissions can be found here.

Specific questions regarding the awards program can be sent to the EAC at clearinghouse@eac.gov. Winners will be announced in Spring 2023.