Information provided by San Benito County Elections Office. Lea este articulo en español aquí.
In a bid to enhance voter accessibility and streamline the electoral process, the Elections Department of San Benito County has unveiled a pioneering initiative: the Elections Official Look Up Tool. This innovative tool, developed in collaboration with the County Geographic Information Systems (GIS), promises to revolutionize how voters engage with their electoral districts and representatives.
The Elections Official Look Up Tool offers voters the convenience of simply inputting their address into an interactive platform. With a few clicks, voters can access a comprehensive list of their respective districts and elected officials, which they can either view online or print for future reference. What sets this tool apart is its interactive nature, allowing users not only to explore their own address but also to delve into other addresses, districts and seek answers to inquiries regarding electoral matters.
Crucially, the creation of this tool was made possible by leveraging the existing GIS geographical location database. By harnessing this resource internally, the county has effectively minimized the need to outsource such services to third-party vendors, thus conserving valuable resources.
Francisco Diaz, the County Clerk-Recorder/Registrar of Voters, emphasized the significance of this tool in enhancing accountability and empowering voters. “The Election Official Look Up Tool helps voters track down their representative,” stated Diaz. “This tool enhances accountability by providing the voters with the name and office.”
The genesis of this tool stems from a collaborative effort between key stakeholders. Grand Jury Foreman Roxy Montana and County Supervisor Bea Gonzalez, championed the concept of an interactive tool that would enable constituents to easily identify their representatives. Their initiative underscores the importance of public engagement in shaping electoral services.
“This is a great example of how the public and elections office can work together to improve election services,” remarked Diaz, highlighting the collaborative spirit that drove the development of this tool.
As the November 5 Presidential General Election approaches, the significance of this tool cannot be overstated. With a myriad of positions up for contention, including those in schools, water districts, fire districts, healthcare districts and cities, voters are presented with a complex electoral landscape. The Elections Official Look Up Tool will serve as an invaluable resource, enabling constituents to confirm their respective districts before engaging with the election office.
Anticipating a surge in candidacy with over 60 individuals expected to run for office, the Elections Office is gearing up for a busy election season. To facilitate informed participation, the office will launch a dedicated website page on May 10, featuring the contests up for election and the official candidate handbook. This handbook will serve as a comprehensive guide, outlining key deadlines and essential information for aspiring candidates.
In an inclusive gesture, the elections staff extends an invitation to anyone interested in running for office within school, water, fire and healthcare districts to reach out for guidance. For city contests, individuals are encouraged to liaise directly with their respective municipalities.
The launch of the Elections Official Look Up Tool marks a significant milestone in San Benito County’s commitment to fostering transparency, accessibility and civic engagement within the electoral process. As this tool evolves and adapts to meet the evolving needs of voters, it stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in driving positive change within our communities.
Feel free to explore the tool here: Elections Official Look Up Tool