2025 - Honorable Mention for Distinguished Voter Education and Communications Initiatives

Lake County launched a Proactive Absentee Ballot Error Prevention Initiative to reduce common mistakes that can lead to ballot rejection. Drawing on staff experience, the program targets errors like missing signatures, signature mismatches, and new statutory date requirements before ballots are submitted. Voters receive clear, easy-to-read guidance through flyers, brochures, and senior-outreach booklets. An interactive game, Climb the Ladder, Count the Vote, helps explain the absentee process, deadlines, and common pitfalls. This proactive approach helps reduce errors, preserves voter intent, and lessens administrative workload during peak periods.