August 7, 2008 By News Report
Washington state has jumped to the next level of voter education by promoting an online one-stop, customized voter information feature in time for the Aug. 19 Top 2 Primary. It's called MyVote.
The free service is available 24-7 at the Secretary of State's Web site, which includes a user-friendly page dedicated to the Top 2 Primary. Voters can read the official statewide Voters' Pamphlet statement and view a photo and bio for each of the candidates listed. Phone numbers, e-mail addresses, Web site addresses and mailing addresses for each of the candidates is also provided. Maps to ballot drop box locations are provided for voters in many counties.
The service, first launched about a year ago and now upgraded and being re-launched and promoted by Secretary of State Sam Reed in time for the pivotal 2008 elections, searches the statewide voter registration database to find an individual voter's registration record and then displays only the candidates and ballot measures that apply to the individual voter.
"MyVote is a very exciting advance for us in Washington, and something that is already drawing some national attention," said Reed. "This is a huge step for us. I have long wanted to have this kind of one-stop way for our citizens to get all the basic information they need to be informed and engaged voters. Technology is now here and we are able to put this together. I strongly urge people to give this a try."
Citizens can also use MyVote to check their voter registration status, update a mailing address and see which elections they voted in recently. Online registration is an option in Washington state.
Before MyVote became available, voters often had to call a county auditor's office or scroll through long Web pages to access much of this type of information. No resources were available for voters to get election information that was specifically related to their voter registration record and/or their ballot.
Digital Communities members get access to our collaboration task forces
427 Members
77 Discussions
84 Files
Latest members Become a member
Digital Communities members get access to our collaboration task forces
669 Members
145 Discussions
150 Files
Latest members Become a member
Until recently, there was no alternative to the familiar desktop computer, and its expensive upgrades and maintenance requirements. For cash-strapped local governments, the desktop computer is quickly becoming an unsustainable option for future progress. Now, a technology known as virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) offers an alternative. It can be significantly more affordable than buying individual computers for every employee, and it provides similar capability. This paper shows how VDI is the future of the desktop and is a game-changer for local governments.
Don't miss this opportunity to see the latest in digital government solutions, keep abreast of current policy issues and network with key government executives, technologists and industry specialists.
Digital Communities News In Your Inbox
Subscribe to Digital Communities
Digital Communities (DC) is e.Republic‘s local government program. The particular strength of DC is its focus on encouraging collaboration and creating productive relationships between and among cities, counties, regions and select private sector companies uniquely positioned to help improve the delivery of public services.
Subscribe | View Digital Issue