Washington Office of the Secretary of State honored with National Clearinghouse Awards

The Washington Office of the Secretary of State (OSOS) has garnered two prestigious national Clearinghouse Awards, celebrating its outstanding contributions to election administration during the 2024 presidential election year. Awarded by the U. S. Election Assistance Commission, OSOS was recognized in the Accessibility category for its innovative partnership that produced the American Sign Language Video Voters’ Guide. This initiative represents a milestone in making vital voting information accessible to the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.

In addition, the office won in the Communications category for its impactful "Mark the Ballot" campaign, which successfully provided trusted information about election security, resulting in increased voter confidence across the state. Post-campaign surveys indicated a significant positive effect on public trust in Washington's election officials. Furthermore, OSOS earned an honorable mention for its cybersecurity toolkits, which serve as a contingency plan during potential cyber incidents. Secretary of State Steve Hobbs praised the tireless efforts of election workers and highlighted the importance of these initiatives in maintaining safe and secure elections. The recognition underscores OSOS's commitment to enhancing voter engagement and accessibility in Washington state.