The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) has recognized the New Mexico Secretary of State’s Office with a prestigious 2018 “Clearie” Award for Outstanding Innovations in Elections. This national recognition celebrates the office’s pioneering implementation of new electronic ballot software, a system designed to ensure accessibility for blind or visually impaired voters, allowing them to independently cast absentee ballots.
Established by the EAC to act as a central resource for election administration information, the annual “Clearie” Awards highlight exemplary practices in the field. These awards serve to showcase models of successful election administration that can inspire and guide election officials and jurisdictions across the nation.
EAC Chairman Thomas Hicks emphasized the critical role of election officials, stating, “Election officials are vital civic leaders, serving as stewards of democracy. They consistently develop innovative solutions under budgetary constraints and with no room for error. The Clearie Awards provide a platform to acknowledge their essential contributions nationally and to share best practices within election administration. This year’s recipients, including the New Mexico Secretary of State, represent the highest standards in this profession. We commend their dedication and hope their achievements will serve as a benchmark for others.”
The award-winning electronic ballot system from the New Mexico Secretary of State addresses a critical need for voters with visual impairments. It enables these voters to independently mark, print, and mail a physical copy of their ballot to their county clerk for processing. Launched in the spring of 2018, ahead of the June primary election, the system was utilized by numerous voters in its first election cycle and received overwhelmingly positive feedback from its intended users. The development and implementation of this system was a four-year project, marked by significant collaboration between the New Mexico Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver’s office, the National Federation of the Blind – New Mexico, and the New Mexico Commission for the Blind. These partnerships have been instrumental in creating a more inclusive and accessible election process throughout New Mexico, with ongoing positive impacts expected in future elections.
In its third year, the “Clearie” Awards continue to celebrate the creativity and dedication of election officials throughout the United States. Award entries were evaluated based on several key factors, including effectiveness, innovation, sustainability, community outreach, cost-efficiency, and potential for replication in other jurisdictions.
This year’s Clearie Awards are dedicated to the memory of Wendy Noren and R. Brian Lewis, both esteemed figures in election administration. Wendy Noren, Boone County Clerk for over 30 years and a member of the EAC’s Board of Advisors, passed away in March 2018. R. Brian Lewis, former Counsel to the Office of the Senate Majority Leader and the Senate Rules and Administration Committee, was a key advocate for the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) and a strong supporter of election officials. Their legacies of hard work, integrity, and commitment to fair elections are honored through these awards.
For further details about the “Clearie” Awards or to arrange an interview with Chairman Hicks, please reach out to Brenda Bowser Soder at [email protected] or 202-897-9285.
