The Clearinghouse Awards, also known as the “Clearie” Awards, are presented annually across the U.S. for best practices in election administration by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC). Established by the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (HAVA), the EAC is charged with serving as a clearinghouse for election administration information. To further this mission, the EAC launched the Clearies in 2016 to promote best practices in elections and celebrate the accomplishments of election officials.
The EAC is excited to recognize the hard work and innovation of the 2021 Clearie Winners. The EAC is also recognizing 14 jurisdictions with 2021 Clearie Honorable Mention awards.
2021 Clearinghouse Award Categories
Outstanding Innovations in Elections
Improving Accessibility For Voters With Disabilities
Best Practices in Recruiting, Retaining, and Training Poll Workers
Creative and Original “I Voted” Sticker Design
Outstanding Innovation in Election Cybersecurity and Technology
Outstanding Use of HAVA Grants in Election Modernization
Outstanding Election Official Association Program
Outstanding Innovations in Elections ‐ Large Jurisdictions
- Indiana Secretary of State - Development of Professional Certificate in Election Administration, Technology and Security Program
- North Carolina State Board of Elections - HUBS Work Groups
- Pierce County Elections (WA) - Drop Box Chain of Custody
- Wake County Board of Elections (NC) - Data Driven Solutions for Managing Voter Population Growth
Outstanding Innovations in Elections ‐ Small/Medium Jurisdictions
- Clay County Supervisor of Elections (FL) - Clay County 2022 Elections Expo
- City and County of Denver Elections Division (CO) - Confined Voting Program Expansion
- San Mateo County Department of the Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder and Chief Elections Officer (CA) - Embracing Equity and Inclusion in Elections
Improving Accessibility For Voters With Disabilities
- Michigan Secretary of State - MICRC Accessibility Support
- Nebraska Secretary of State - Poll place accessibility for voters with disabilities
Best Practices in Recruiting, Retaining, and Training Poll Workers
- Leon County Supervisor of Elections (FL) - Conflict Resolution Traffic Light
- San Mateo County Department of the Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder and Chief Elections Officer (CA) - Increasing Youth Engagement through Student Poll Worker Program
- Wyandotte County Election Office (KS) - Civic Engagement Series - Youth at the Booth
Creative and Original “I Voted” Sticker Design
- Durham County Board of Elections (NC) - 'I Voted' Sticker Contest
- Maryland State Board of Elections - Student I Voted Sticker Art Contest
- Santa Fe County Clerk (NM) - "I Voted!" Sticker Design Contest
Outstanding Innovation in Election Cybersecurity and Technology
- Hamilton County Board of Elections (OH) - "Did You Know?" Video Series
- Los Angeles County Registrar- Recorder/County Clerk (CA) - Use of IoT in Tracking Ballot Boxes
- Michigan Secretary of State - MICRC Public Comment Portal
Outstanding Use of HAVA Grants in Election Modernization
Outstanding Election Official Association Program