Online Voter Information Program

About the Program

Category: Civic Education and Public Information (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

The Orange County Registrar of Voters developed an Online Voter Information Program designed to increase citizen participation in elections, promote intergovernmental cooperation and coordination, improve departmental efficiencies, and expand communication with the citizens of Orange County. Extensive additions to the department’s website, including video blogs, podcasts, newsfeeds, RSS, newsletters, live streaming video, and live election night results have changed the way the office communicates with the public. This proactive approach to transparency and communication has positively altered the office’s relationship with voters, campaigns, political parties, the media, elected officials, and other government agencies. The integration of Web 2.0 into the office’s communication and outreach goals has allowed the office to engage the public in a revolutionary way. Through the sharing of information on Facebook and Twitter, a new dialogue has emerged between the office and the public. The citizens of Orange County are now, more than ever, active participants in the elections process. The Online Voter Information Program has significantly increased the transparency of Orange County’s elections while simultaneously improving departmental efficiencies and communication.