King County unveils online customized voter guide

King first county in the state to offer service to voters

The Internet has opened a new era for King County voters who can now get a customized voter's guide with a few clicks of mouse from the convenience of their home computer. King County today became the first in the state to make available an online voter guide that allows voters to verify their registration, find their polling place and get information on county, city and ballot measures customized to their address.

 With 471 possible combinations of contests and ballot measures appearing on ballots this election, it can be a challenge for voters to determine what will appear on their ballot.  Recent redistricting and polling location changes also can be cause for some voter confusion.  King County's online custom voter guide simplifies all of this information.  Now, by simply entering their name and birth date or address, a voter can confirm their voter registration status, get a list of all contests and ballot measures that will appear on their ballot, and get the address and directions to their polling place.  Hyperlinks to voters' pamphlet candidate and ballot measure statements are available for all entries. 

 The 2005 General Election Voters' Pamphlet will be delivered to every household and residential post office box in King County this weekend.  Both English and Chinese language versions of the pamphlet are also available at all King County libraries, online or by calling 206-296-VOTE.

"We know voters rely on many sources for information about voting.  Making information like polling place location, registration status, and customized listings of contests and ballot measures helps to eliminate confusion, keep voter information current, and reduce the number of provisional ballots cast," said Dean Logan, Director of Records, Elections and Licensing for King County.  "This is one more example of how we are using technology to improve service to voters."

 In the Primary and General Election King County is piloting AskEd, a handheld, pocket sized personal computer that allows poll workers to answer questions about voter eligibility, precinct assignments, and the other polling place procedures.  The handheld device also has video clips on how to secure a polling place in case of an emergency and how to help a voter with disabilities.  Poll worker response to AskEd was very positive in the Primary.

Voters can receive personalize election information starting today.

Updated: Oct. 18, 2005

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