Image
As part of the 10th anniversary of the Clearinghouse Awards, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) is spotlighting previous Clearie winners, including the Lake County Board of Elections and Registration in Indiana.
The EAC interviewed Lake County Board of Elections and Registration Director Michelle Fajman on the office’s 2023 Clearie award-winning program, “Poll Worker Quick Guide.” The office was recognized in the “Outstanding Use of HAVA Grants in Elections Modernization” category.
EAC Q&A: DIRECTOR MICHELLE FAJMAN, LAKE COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS AND REGISTRATION
1. How did you learn about the EAC Clearie program, and what motivated you to author your jurisdiction’s Clearie entry?
We first learned about the Clearie Awards through our involvement in the Certified Elections/Registration Administrator (CERA) program and our professional training within the election administration community. The opportunity to apply came during our capstone project for the Certificate in Election Administration, Technology, and Security (CEATS) program through Ball State University and the Office of the Indiana Secretary of State. One of our instructors, Alisa Gray, encouraged us to consider submitting our project.
At the same time, we were already preparing to deploy portions of the project for an upcoming election. With a little extra work, we were able to align our CEATS capstone project with a Help America Vote Act (HAVA) grant that supported professional printing and submit the project for the Clearie Award.
Image
2. What was the motivation behind developing your Voter Education Module and Poll Worker Quick Guide?
Our goal was to provide clear, accurate, and consistent election information for both voters and election staff. Education is one of the most effective ways to strengthen confidence in the electoral process.
By creating easy-to-use resources for voters and quick reference guides for poll workers, we hoped to reduce confusion, prevent misinformation, and ensure consistent answers to common questions. Ultimately, the project was designed to improve communication and create a more positive voting experience. We chose specific branding and a specialized logo to tie all four of the modules together visually.
3. Tell us more about how the Poll Worker Quick Guide works.
The Poll Worker Quick Guide was designed as a practical Election Day reference tool. The lay-flat format with indexed sections and tabs allows poll workers to quickly find answers to common questions related to voter identification, voter eligibility, voting procedures, and election rules.
Having a quick and reliable reference ensures that voters receive consistent and accurate information while also helping poll workers feel more confident in assisting voters.
4. Tell us about the four target audiences and the results you have seen.
The project was designed to support four key audiences: voters, poll workers, election officials, and election administrators. Each module provides clear, vetted information tailored to those groups, including voter registration guidance, voting procedures, equipment operations, and administrative best practices.
Since completing the project, the materials have continued to be used and remain highly relevant. They have helped improve consistency in how questions are answered and increased confidence among poll workers.
Image
5. What does recognition by the EAC’s Clearie Program mean to your office?
Recognition from the EAC’s Clearie Program is a tremendous honor for the Lake County Board of Elections and Registration. It validates the work our team has done to strengthen voter education and poll worker training.
This project was truly a collaborative effort. My partner on the project, LeAnn Angerman, has since moved on to serve in a new role working for a U.S. senator, but we still talk often about the work we accomplished together. When the opportunity came to participate in this feature, it was important to me to reach out to her so we could submit it as a team.
The impact of the award-winning project has definitely been seen on a larger scale than just community outreach in Lake County. The materials have been requested by many other counties and in three other states. Further, the materials have inspired legislation regarding the packaging of materials and requiring the voters to make their party selection on the iPads during a primary. When we implement effective practices, they often become the foundation for future legislation and recognized best practices in Indiana and beyond.
6. Would you recommend other jurisdictions submit a Clearie entry?
Absolutely. Election officials across the country are developing innovative solutions to improve voter education and election operations. The Clearie Program provides an excellent opportunity to share those best practices and learn from one another.
7. Anything else you would like to add?
The Clearie Best Practices Program provides a valuable platform for election officials to share ideas and learn from each other. While elections are administered locally, many of the challenges we face are similar across jurisdictions.
I would also like to thank the EAC and the Clearie Awards Committee for continuing to recognize and showcase the outstanding work being done by election officials across the country.