Pierce County Elections recognized for excellence

Pierce County Elections has garnered national acclaim, being awarded a Clearinghouse Award for Innovation and New Tools in Election Security and Technology. This recognition, bestowed by the U. S. Election Assistance Commission, highlights the effectiveness of the "Securing Democracy’s Inbox" program, which significantly enhances cybersecurity by meticulously managing email attachments. The Clearie Awards, now in their ninth year, celebrated a record number of entries, emphasizing the importance of innovation in election administration during the 2024 presidential election year.

In addition to the top award, Pierce County was also honored with an Honorable Mention for its Signature Solutions program, which was developed in partnership with the League of Women Voters of Tacoma-Pierce County. This targeted initiative successfully addressed signature verification challenges, resulting in increased ballot acceptance rates and improved voter participation. Pierce County Auditor Linda Farmer remarked on the recognition, asserting that local elections consistently rank among the safest nationwide due to the team's commitment to innovation. EAC officials echoed this sentiment, praising the outstanding work of election officials supporting millions of voters during the high turnout of 2024. The Clearie Awards not only honor achievements but also spotlight the critical advancements in election security and technology that ensure election integrity.