National Association of Counties
On April 21, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) presented the 2021 Clearinghouse Awards, also known as “Clearies,” recognizing several counties across the nation for excellence in election administration. The EAC is charged with serving as a clearinghouse for information on election administration under the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA). As such, to assist in this mission the EAC solicits applications across several different categories on an annual basis to highlight best practices in elections and celebrate the accomplishments of state and local election officials. In 2021, the EAC solicited applications under two new categories: Outstanding Use of HAVA Grants in Election Modernization; and Outstanding Election Official Association Program.
The county role in elections cannot be understated. The nation’s 3,069 counties traditionally administer and fund elections at the local level, including overseeing polling places and coordinating poll workers for federal, state, and local elections. Before, during and after Election Day, county governments and election officials across the county work diligently process and count ballots to execute a fair, secure and accurate election.
In recognition of this vital role, over 50 percent of the 2021 Clearies and honorable mentions recognized counties and are highlighted below.
