Santa Fe County Clerk Katharine E. Clark was named the recipient of the 2026 Election Verification Network (EVN) Innovation Award for the development of the County’s machine-assisted hand tally system.

This system addresses one of the most complex and error-prone areas of election administration: hand counting ballots that cannot be read by tabulation machines.

By introducing a standardized, digitally supported workflow, the system improves both accuracy and accountability. It incorporates digital data entry and tracking, unique ballot identifiers, and a two-step bipartisan verification process

Two independent teams enter each ballot, and the system automatically compares results to identify discrepancies in real time. This creates a fully auditable record and allows any issues to be resolved immediately within the process.

During the 2024 General Election, more than 1,200 ballots were processed using this system. The enhanced verification process reduced error rates from approximately four percent under traditional methods to zero percent, while also improving efficiency and reducing post-election corrections.

A pre-recorded presentation by Clerk Clark highlighted the Machine-Assisted Hand Tally system, outlining its development, implementation, and impact. Staff then participated in a live panel discussion, answering questions from election administrators about how the system functions in practice and how it can be adapted by other jurisdictions.

On Friday, Voter Outreach Coordinator Margaret Gouws presented on the Clerk’s Office’s Calm at the Polls initiative, a coordinated outreach effort designed to reduce confusion, support poll workers, and create a more welcoming voting environment.

The presentation shared practical strategies and observations from Santa Fe County’s experience, demonstrating how proactive communication and community engagement can improve both voter experience and polling place operations.

In addition to presenting, the office received two People’s Choice Awards for these programs, as voted on by election officials nationwide. These awards mark the third and fourth People’s Choice recognitions received by the Santa Fe County Clerk’s Office.

Together, these recognitions reflect the Santa Fe County Clerk’s Office’s ongoing commitment to ensuring accuracy, transparency, and accountability in election processes, developing practical and scalable innovations in election administration, and creating a positive and accessible voting experience for all voters. By both developing new approaches and sharing them with election officials nationwide, Santa Fe County continues to contribute to a broader effort to strengthen election systems and build public confidence in the democratic process.

The Santa Fe County Clerk’s Office recently hosted a community outreach event at a local Veterans Center, providing attendees with information about elections and services available through the Clerk’s Office.

During the visit, staff answered questions on a range of topics, including semi-open primaries, vote-by-appointment options, and general voting processes. The event provided an opportunity to address common questions and ensure voters have access to clear, accurate information ahead of the upcoming election cycle.

This outreach builds on the Clerk’s Office’s ongoing efforts to engage with the veteran community. In 2025, the office launched a Veterans Advisory Board, led by Gary Reid and Kristy Brusso, to help guide outreach and improve access to election information for veterans. This event was a direct recommendation from Advisory Board members.

The outreach is part of an ongoing partnership with the Veterans Center and reflects the Clerk’s Office’s commitment to expanding access to election information and supporting voters where they are in the community.

The Clerk’s Office looks forward to continuing this partnership and providing additional outreach opportunities in the future.