Harrison County Citizens Access Election Information Online

Christopher Thomas, Esri director of government markets, says that Harrison County is proving that small governments can bring their data online and engage citizens using a technology that they have learned works.

Harrison County clerk Susan Thomas requested an upgrade of the county's outdated paper maps in preparation for the 2012 elections so that her office could quickly and accurately confirm the eligibility of candidates for seats on the county commission and school board.

In response, the county developed an online mapping application that leverages existing geospatial resources in Esri's ArcGIS platform. This public application clearly defines the county's district boundaries while bringing more transparency to the elections process. Besides providing citizens and staff with accurate district and poll information, the app is expected to boost efficiency by decreasing the number of poll location inquiries the county receives during elections and helping ensure that voters are registered in the correct precinct throughout the year.

Harrison County's elections app was built using ArcGIS and free web mapping APIs available on the ArcGIS for Local Government website at esri.com/arcgisforlocalgov. Also available are APIs involving code enforcement, emergency response, land use, and many other areas of local government operations.