New digital scanner

Pierce County is the first county in Washington to adopt an innovative voting system, Clear Ballot. It’s faster and more reliable — a slam dunk for elections! You can see Clear Ballot in action at an open house and demonstration on Thursday, March 30 from 5 – 7 p.m.

Digital technology

How does Clear Ballot work? A digital scanner takes a picture of each ballot. If a ballot has an issue, election workers can resolve the problem on a computer screen. No more troubles with wet or torn ballots! In the past, election workers would remake an unreadable ballot by hand. In the November 2016 General Election, over 50,000 ballots were remade — this new digital technology will save lots of time and effort!

“To say that we’re excited is an understatement,” says Julie Anderson, Pierce County Auditor in a press release.

In addition, voting centers will provide digital accessible voting units for voters living with disabilities.

Damon Townsend, Elections Supervisor, shows how the digital scanning works in this video:

What does the new system mean for voters?

Pierce County Elections and voters will use Clear Ballot for the first time in the August 1, 2017 Primary. The election will continue to be vote-by-mail, but the ballot will look different. Instead of connecting an arrow, voters will fill in an oval.

Say good-bye to this old election equipment and ballot!

Ballot scanners used in last election.

Ballot used in Nov. 2016 election.

Technology makes it easier

Clear Ballot is just one way the Auditor’s Office uses new technology to make voting and licensing easier for residents.

License pets, renew car tabs and search for recorded documents online. On the go? Update voter registration, contact elected officials and find the closest drop box wherever you are with the mobile app, Civic Pierce County.

Social media also is a “new technology” that helps residents know about and communicate with government. Facebook posts and tweets encouraged Pierce County residents to register and vote during the November 2016 election. It will continue to be a great way to engage community! Keep informed and get involved in local government — follow the Auditor’s Facebook and Twitter pages!

Attend an open house to see Clear Ballot in action: March 30

In this season of “March madness” cheer for Pierce County’s innovative election team and new voting system! You can learn more and participate in hands-on demonstrations at a March 30 open house:

Thursday, March 30 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Pierce County Election Center
2501 S. 35th St. , Suite C, Tacoma

For more information

• Pierce County Auditor’s press release: “Clear Ballot is the clear winner for Pierce County Elections” (March 1, 2017).
• News Tribune article: “In the next county election, you’ll vote with ovals instead of arrows”  (March 15, 2017).
• News Tribune article: “Connecting the arrow on your ballot a thing of the past for Pierce County voters” (November 25, 2016).
• Pierce County Auditor’s webpage.
• Clear Ballot’s website.

* Disclaimer – Engage Northwest is a social media contractor with the Pierce County Auditor’s Office. The pictures in this post are available on the Auditor’s Facebook page.