UW engineering students develop smart technology solution to improve ballot collection for Snohomish County

University of Washington engineering students designed a comprehensive solution to streamline ballot collection for Snohomish County. Their system, "Collect. Calculate. Dispatch," integrates smart scales, route optimization, and a real-time dashboard, addressing inefficiencies in managing 35 drop boxes for over 533,000 voters. In the November 2024 General Election, more than 290,000 ballots were returned via drop boxes, illustrating the critical need for enhanced collection methods.

The optimized routing could save 122 miles and $1,000 compared to existing solutions. County officials expressed admiration for the students' teamwork and dedication, emphasizing the project's significance for local election processes. The modular design allows for gradual implementation, ensuring cost-effectiveness. Future pilot testing will assess the system's effectiveness in real-world scenarios. This collaboration exemplifies how academic partnerships can lead to tangible improvements in public administration.