The Jefferson County Elections division recently received national recognition for its innovative use of an online chat service during the 2020 election.

The election division was awarded the 2020 Clearinghouse Award from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, a federal commission that recognizes election administrators across the country for innovation during each election. 

“Our team continues to set the bar for accessible, secure, and efficient elections and I could not be prouder of them” said Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder George Stern.

The county launched an online chat service that allowed voters to interact virtually with election representatives online during the state’s primary and 2020 General Election. 

Aside from seeking help, voters were allowed to access information such as drop box locations or registration forms online, which received great feedback.

“The online chat feature was a hit with Jeffco voters and we certainly plan to bring it back in future elections,” Stern said.

The idea of the online chat feature stemmed from the county’s motor vehicle division that uses online chat features to assist hundreds of customers each day.

Other election officials from Arapahoe and Boulder counties also received recognition from the EAC, according to EAC’s website.