Jefferson County Elections Receives Clearinghouse Award

JEFFERSON COUNTY, CO — Jeffco is among three Colorado counties that received a national award for elections innovation.

The U.S. Election Assistance Commission, a federal body that recognizes election administrators across the country, gave its 2020 Clearinghouse Award to Jefferson, Arapahoe and Boulder counties.

Jeffco was honored for its online chat service that allowed voters to interact virtually with a live elections representative during the 2020 state primary and general election. The service allowed voters to access information such as drop box locations or registration forms via electronic means, which many said was more effective than over the phone.

“Our team continues to set the bar for accessible, secure, and efficient elections, and I could not be prouder of them,” said George Stern, Jeffco Clerk and Recorder.

“The online chat feature was a hit with Jeffco voters and we certainly plan to bring it back in future elections.”

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Election staffers borrowed the idea from the Jeffco Motor Vehicle division, the county said. The division, which is also part of the clerk and recorder department, uses an online chat feature to assist hundreds of DMV customers daily.

The U.S. Election Assistance Commission, which was established by Congress in 2002, is an independent, bipartisan group that serves as a national clearinghouse of best practices for local election officials.

Ten national awards were given out in the 2020 Outstanding Innovations in Election category.