ONLINE CAMPAIGN FINANCE SYSTEM
2010 NACo Achievement Award Winner
Oakland County, Mich., MI
Best In Category
About the Program
Category: Civic Education and Public Information (Best in Category)
Year: 2010
In July 2007, the Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds Office began offering an online Campaign Finance System to promote transparency and accountability in elections. Located on the county’s website, the new system allows residents to easily view political contribution records to local candidates and committees. The free service, which allows users to view and print records, replaced their hard copy system which required citizens to drive to their Election Division office, stand at the counter to view records, and then pay 25 cents each for copies. In addition to convenience to the candidates, voters and the media, the online system automates much of their campaign finance system. For example, it automatically calculates late fees for candidates as well as generates courtesy letters for candidates reminding them of filing deadlines. The system also indicates the names of candidates who owe late filing fees, prompting more compliance. The system is extremely popular with the residents and has experienced over 5,000 views on the campaign finance site.