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2025 - Honorable Mention for Best Practices in Recruiting, Retaining, and Training Poll Workers

Virginia - Fairfax County Office of Elections

Program Title
Chief Open House: Where Nervous Poll Workers Become Confident Leaders
Program Summary
The Fairfax County Office of Elections began offering Chief Open Houses in 2023 to better prepare election officers for the complexity and responsibility of overseeing the countys 265 polling places. Replacing traditional lectures, this full-day, hands-on training features 10 stations where election officers can drop in and stay as long as needed to practice handling real election procedures and situations and receive live feedback to correct any misunderstandings before Election Day. Election officers increased confidence and competence ensure smoother operations, better service to voters, and stronger election integrity.