Yolo County Awarded for Outstanding Innovation by the U.S. Elections Assistance Commission

Woodland, CA – Yolo County was one of six jurisdictions nationally to be recognized by the U.S. Elections Assistance Commission for Outstanding Innovation in Election Administration. Now in its fourth year, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission’s Annual “Clearie” Awards recognize the innovative efforts of election officials across America. Yolo County was recognized for ‘Harnessing Technology to Improve Polling Place Resources and Response Time, Strengthen Voter Communications, and Increase Future Turnout.’

The Yolo County Elections branch of Assessor/Clerk-Recorder/Elections (ACE) and the Information Technology and Telecommunications Division of the General Services Department (GSD-ITTD) collaborated in 2018 and harnessed Geographic Information System (GIS) and mapping, along with a new poll worker app, to streamline election night reporting and improve voter participation.

“This outcome would not have been possible without the strong collaborative partnership between ACE Elections, General Services and Esri; a special partnership that is putting Yolo County on the map at a national level,” says Jesse Salinas, Yolo County Assessor/Clerk-Recorder/Registrar of Voters. “The use of GIS in 2018 revolutionized our election efforts, and made huge strides towards achieving our goals of transparency, efficiency, and strong communication with our community.” Mike Martinez, head of software development for the county added, “County IT is proud to be a part of this collaborative effort. It is exciting to see our County partners using this innovative technology to improve service delivery and decision making.”

By partnering with the County IT department and using the tools we helped develop with Esri, the Yolo County Elections Office was able to bring a modern feel to the 2018 Election Cycle. Poll workers needs were met quickly and efficiently, voters and the media were given immediate access to election results in a user-friendly format, and the data collected will help the Elections Office tailor outreach and education efforts moving forward.

Connect with Yolo County ACE – Assessor/Clerk-Recorder/Elections on Facebook: /YoloACE, Instagram: /YoloCoACE, and Twitter: @YoloCoACE to stay informed about events and get live election night results for the upcoming 2020 elections.

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