Pierce County Auditor Julie Anderson, Elections Supervisor Shannon Cortez, and Elections Specialist Dave Heinemann accepted a national award in San Francisco on Thursday, Aug. 21, for their office’s work on the highly-successful ballot drop-box program. The Guardian Award, given by the National Association of Election Officials, recognizes a practice that exemplifies the organization’s principles and standards of conduct.

“I’m thrilled to be honored with this prestigious recognition, and I want to personally thank every employee of our elections division,” said Anderson. “Our security and thoughtful procedures really set us apart. Pierce County’s ballot drop-box program is an exceptional national model.”

The Elections Division of the Auditor’s Office developed the program which provides 29 secure, accessible ballot drop-boxes at convenient locations around Pierce County. In the most recent primary election, over half of the county’s ballots were received via drop-box.