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

Following record turnout in the 2024 general election, the Wake County Board of Elections expanded training for its more than 3,000 precinct officials. To address the increased demand for provisional ballots, the board developed the At-Home Provisional Exercise. The self-paced program includes an online simulation of the Voter and Street Tool (VAST) system used on Election Day and printable materials featuring realistic voter scenarios and sample provisional materials. Strengthening officials familiarity and confidence in provisional ballot processing, where envelope accuracy and completeness are essential for post-election review. The election office has found that processing ballots in a low-risk environment increases accuracy, retention, and precision on Election Day.