– Press release

Independence, CA–Elections offices throughout the country will have new and better ways to serve voters in 2016, thanks to a partnership that brings elections officials from Hillsborough County, Florida; Cook County, Illinois; and Inyo County, California together with elections experts specializing in technology and design.

Inyo Clerk/ Recorder Kammi Foote

With $400,000 in support announced today from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation as part of its Knight News Challenge on Elections, the group will develop the Civic Engagement Toolkit for Local Elections Officials, an online clearinghouse of tested resources and communication tools, along with step-by-step instructions, that any election official can use for the 2016 General Election and beyond.

“We are drawing upon years of elections research and practical experience running elections for different constituencies to develop and test tools that will be useful to elections offices all across the country,” said ,” said Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer. “Collaboration allows all of us to stretch our capabilities.”

“The toolkit will make civic information more accessible and allow people to better connect with their local governments to help ensure that they are aware of what is taking place in their names,” said John Bracken, Knight Foundation vice president for media innovation.

CAO Kevin Carunchio

The group came together in response to the Knight News Challenge on Elections, which is funding breakthrough ideas that better inform voters and increase civic participation before, during and after elections. More at www.newschallenge.org.

ABOUT THE JOHN S. AND JAMES L. KNIGHT FOUNDATION
Knight Foundation supports transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the arts. The foundation believes that democracy thrives when people and communities are informed and engaged. For more, visit knightfoundation.org.

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Kammi Foote is the elected Inyo County Clerk/Recorder & Registrar of Voters. She began her career in election administration by volunteering as a poll worker and now oversees all aspects of election administration in Inyo County, California.

During her tenure in public service, she has served in leadership positions for both the County Recorders Association of California (CRAC) and the California Association of Clerks and Elections Officials (CACEO).

In 2014 she was invited to sit on a panel in the Select Senate Committee on Science, Innovation and Public Policy regarding New and Necessary Innovations to Improve Voter Participation and Registration, specifically to speak on the topic of Technology to Improve Access, Accuracy and Participation.

As an advocate for open data in elections she has also spoken before the California State Association of Counties, the County Administrators Officers Association of California and regularly participates as a panelist to inform industry associates and elected officials of the impact of statewide policy decisions to local government.

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Kevin Carunchio has served as the appointed County Administrator for the County of Inyo, California, since 2007. As County Administrator, he is responsible for recommending, interpreting, and implementing policies of the Board of Supervisors and, on behalf of the Board, supervising the administration of all County departments over which the Board of Supervisors has responsibility.

He serves as the County Budget Officer and is responsible for recommending and administering an $80 million County Budget. Additionally, the Administrator’s department is specifically responsible for Information Services; Personnel; Recycling & Waste Management; Library Services; Parks & Recreation; Museum Services; Risk Management; Emergency Services; and, Economic Development.