Improving Voter Information Access with GIS Integrated Sample Ballots

Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, is empowering constituents with unique sample ballots to increase access to information as elections approach.

In anticipation of the November 5, 2024, general election, officials in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, sought to provide constituents with enhanced access to information so that they could be well-informed and prepared. This involved detailing the election measures on the ballot and the candidates running for each precinct..

County staff collaborated with Esri partner Pro-West & Associates to develop a sample ballot lookup solution. This solution would allow voters to generate sample ballot forms using geographic information system (GIS) tools. The goal of enabling voters to preview their unique ballot form was to empower them with an easy way to see the elections and candidates they can vote for on Election Day.

As the project team members began the Sample Ballot Lookup solution configuration process, they identified the data that would be needed to power the solution. Without any public-facing maps related to elections—such as polling location or district maps—the project team used existing internal maps, data in other formats such as spreadsheets, and the addition of unique IDs for sample ballots. With this information, the team created an easy-to-use, mobile-friendly solution leveraging ArcGIS Instant Apps and the Lookup tool.

With a focus on simplicity, a two-step process was implemented. The user can either search for their address or navigate on the interactive map, then simply click a button to see their sample ballot. The ballot, which is generated as a PDF file, can then be printed if desired.

Within the same app, users can also see their polling location and view a calendar of all upcoming elections.

For county staff, a solution was configured as a companion to the public Sample Ballot Lookup solution. Built using ArcGIS Experience Builder, the Election Manager solution allows staff to update data such as a district or candidate name change, and view the numerous districts and combinations of precincts that may appear on a ballot.

Having succeeded in meeting its goal of empowering constituents with greater access to information about upcoming elections, Cape Girardeau County sees the opportunity to use its data and GIS tools to do more. For example, the county plans to add Democratic and Republican Party ballot sheets for primary elections to increase access to pertinent information at all stages of the election cycle.

With powerful data and modern location technology, Cape Girardeau County will continue its mission to empower voters as elections approach.