2024 - Winner for Best Practices in Recruiting, Retaining, and Training Poll Workers

To improve poll worker support for the 2024 General Election, the Porter County Elections & Registration Office introduced the Band app to enhance communication and training retention. Previously, the time-lapse between training and Election Day caused some poll workers to forget details of their training. The app served as a virtual hub where poll workers could ask questions, review instructional information, and build camaraderie with their peers. Even seasoned poll workers found the app easy to use and highly beneficial. The platform allowed targeted communication by polling location or position, and administrators could send reminders, updates, and instructions instantly, improving efficiency and reducing administrative work. Poll workers were added to the app through QR codes, email, or text, and were asked to include their polling location in their profiles to strengthen team connections. The cost-effective, smartphone-compatible solution streamlined communication and implemented a new tool for county-wide poll workers.