U.S. Election Assistance Commission recognizes county excellence in election administration

-
BlogOn 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.U.S. Election Assistance Commission recognizes county excellence in election administration
-
Blog
U.S. Election Assistance Commission recognizes county excellence in election administration
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.
Outstanding Innovations in Elections (Large Jurisdictions)
- Pierce County Elections (Wash.) – Drop Box Chain of Custody
- Wake County Board of Elections (N.C.) – Data Driven Solutions for Managing Voter Population Growth
Outstanding Innovations in Elections (Small/Medium Jurisdictions)
- Clay County Supervisor of Elections (Fla.) – Clay County 2022 Elections Expo
- City and County of Denver Elections Division (Colo.) – Confined Voting Program Expansion
- San Mateo County Department of the Assessor – County Clerk-Recorder and Chief Elections Officer (Calif.) – Embracing Equity and Inclusion in Elections
Best Practices in Recruiting, Retaining and Training Poll Workers
- Leon County Supervisor of Elections (Fla.) – Conflict Resolution Traffic Light
- San Mateo County Department of the Assessor – County Clerk-Recorder and Chief Elections Officer (Calif.) – Increasing Youth Engagement through Student Poll Worker Program
- Wyandotte County Election Office (Kan.) – Civic Engagement Series-Youth at the Booth
Creative and Original “I Voted” Sticker Design
- Durham County Board of Elections (N.C.) – ‘I Voted’ Sticker Contest
- Santa Fe County Clerk (N.M.) – ‘I Voted!’ Sticker Design Contest
Outstanding Innovation in Cybersecurity and Technology
- Hamilton County Board of Elections (Ohio) – “Did You Know?” Video Series
- Los Angeles County Registrar – Recorder/County Clerk (Calif.) – Use of IoT in Tracking Ballot Boxes
Outstanding Use of HAVA Funds in Election Modernization
- Los Angeles County Registrar – Recorder/County Clerk (Calif.) – Election Worker Disability Awareness Training Video
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.2022-04-28Blog2022-04-28
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.
Outstanding Innovations in Elections (Large Jurisdictions)
- Pierce County Elections (Wash.) – Drop Box Chain of Custody
- Wake County Board of Elections (N.C.) – Data Driven Solutions for Managing Voter Population Growth
Outstanding Innovations in Elections (Small/Medium Jurisdictions)
- Clay County Supervisor of Elections (Fla.) – Clay County 2022 Elections Expo
- City and County of Denver Elections Division (Colo.) – Confined Voting Program Expansion
- San Mateo County Department of the Assessor – County Clerk-Recorder and Chief Elections Officer (Calif.) – Embracing Equity and Inclusion in Elections
Best Practices in Recruiting, Retaining and Training Poll Workers
- Leon County Supervisor of Elections (Fla.) – Conflict Resolution Traffic Light
- San Mateo County Department of the Assessor – County Clerk-Recorder and Chief Elections Officer (Calif.) – Increasing Youth Engagement through Student Poll Worker Program
- Wyandotte County Election Office (Kan.) – Civic Engagement Series-Youth at the Booth
Creative and Original “I Voted” Sticker Design
- Durham County Board of Elections (N.C.) – ‘I Voted’ Sticker Contest
- Santa Fe County Clerk (N.M.) – ‘I Voted!’ Sticker Design Contest
Outstanding Innovation in Cybersecurity and Technology
- Hamilton County Board of Elections (Ohio) – “Did You Know?” Video Series
- Los Angeles County Registrar – Recorder/County Clerk (Calif.) – Use of IoT in Tracking Ballot Boxes
Outstanding Use of HAVA Funds in Election Modernization
- Los Angeles County Registrar – Recorder/County Clerk (Calif.) – Election Worker Disability Awareness Training Video

About Paige Mellerio (Full Bio)
Associate Legislative Director – Finance, Pensions & Intergovernmental Affairs
Paige is NACo's associate legislative director for finance, pensions and intergovernmental affairs.More from Paige Mellerio
-
Blog
Department of Labor releases guidance to provide access to voting through the American Job Center Network
On March 25, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Employment and Training Administration (ETA) released guidance to all 50 states and U.S. territories allowing them to designate American Job Centers (AJCs) as voter registration agencies in accordance with the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA). -
County News
Counties reflect on elections law changes
While the aggregate pace of voting reform laws didn't change in 2021, some states are seeing administrative shifts that could cause headaches for county elections administrators. -
Workshop
Trends in State Election Laws and Impact on Local Election Administration
Last year, 3,676 election bills were introducd across the country. Major enactments addressed absentee/mail voting, ballot drop boxes, voter ID, how elections are run and much more. Although these bills were introduced on the state level, they impact how counties administer elections at the local level. -
County News
County officials warn of looming paper shortage ahead of November elections
Supply-chain issues could impact the paper — the ballots, envelopes and inserts — that county election officials will need for the November 2022 elections, a panel of election officials warned Saturday, Feb. 12. -
Blog
Group of senators release draft election reform legislation
On February 1, Sens. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Angus King (I-Maine) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) released draft legislation to reform the Electoral Count Act of 1887 and clarify Congress’ role in tallying electoral votes and certifying presidential elections. -
Blog
Congress continues negotiations around election reform legislation
This week, the White House and Congress have continued ongoing negotiations regarding election reform and the pending Freedom to Vote Act of 2021 (S. 2747) and the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021 (S. 4).
Contact
-
Associate Legislative Director – Finance, Pensions & Intergovernmental Affairs(202) 942-4272
Related Posts
-
BlogDepartment of Labor releases guidance to provide access to voting through the American Job Center NetworkMar. 30, 2022
-
County NewsCounties reflect on elections law changesFeb. 15, 2022
-
County NewsCounty officials warn of looming paper shortage ahead of November electionsFeb. 12, 2022
Related Resources
-
WorkshopTrends in State Election Laws and Impact on Local Election AdministrationFeb. 14, 2022
-
WorkshopThe 2020 Election in Review: What Happened and What’s in Store for 2022?Jul. 11, 2021
-
VideoCounty Clerk/Auditor Ricky Hatch testifies on the county role in electionsFeb. 25, 2021