Monroe Treasurer's Office wins national election award
MONROE — The city of Monroe Treasurer's Office was among the winners of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission's Clearinghouse Awards, according to a release from Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson's office.
The national awards are presented annually nationwide for the best practices in election administration.
"The 2024 elections were historic both for record-breaking voter turnout and as the very first statewide elections with in-person early voting," Benson said in the release.
The Monroe Treasurer's Office received an award in the category of "Communications: Distinguished Voter Education and Communications Initiatives" for its "Ready, Set, Vote" media strategy it used during the 2024 election season to strengthen communication between the Monroe Clerk's office and voters.
More: United Way honors several of Monroe County's 2024 'Everyday Heroes'
"It's a great opportunity to share with other election officials across the country what has worked for us here in our community," said Monroe Clerk-Treasurer Michelle LaVoy.
The goals with "Ready, Set, Vote" were consistent and clear messaging, building trust by providing information straight from the clerk's office, meeting voters where they were through digital and traditional media, and creating a recognizable brand.
"With constant change in election laws, I felt it was important to try to get information out to voters from a trusted source," LaVoy said. "We tried to cut through all the noise and communicate with them the how, what, where, when of voting. We hope it made the difference in their ability to participate in the election process."
The strategy received a lot of feedback from voters, including first-timers, who said it helped them understand where to vote and when.
LaVoy worked with members of the Communications Department, communications director Jody Egen, and communications specialist Amy Mohr, to design the strategy. They also worked closely with Monroe Public Access Cable Television.
More: Accessing local journalism is even easier with the Monroe News app
In the next election cycle, the plan is to take a look at what worked originally and add on to it, as well as refresh any info they provide to match any changed election laws.
"I truly believe that elections are the very cornerstone of our democracy," LaVoy said. "Elections need to happen and each is important from the federal to the local level."
— Contact reporter Connor Veenstra at CVeenstra@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Monroe Treasurer's Office earns award for "Ready, Set, Vote" strategy
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