For Immediate Release: May 14, 2025
(Boise, Idaho) – The Idaho Secretary of State’s Office has been recognized with two national Clearinghouse Awards, also known as the “Clearies,” presented annually by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to honor excellence and innovation in election administration across the country.
The Idaho Secretary of State’s Office received awards in the categories of:
- Communications: Distinguished Voter Education and Communications Initiatives
- Election Administration: Innovations or New Practices in Election Administration
Now in its tenth year, the Clearie Awards recognize election offices that demonstrate innovation, sustainability, cost-effectiveness, replicability, and measurable impact in serving voters and improving election administration.
Idaho was recognized in the Communications category for “12 Principles of Idaho Elections: A Statewide Commitment to Secure, Accessible, and Transparent Elections,” a joint initiative signed by all 44 Idaho County Clerks and Secretary of State Phil McGrane to educate voters about the safeguards, accessibility, and accuracy of Idaho elections.
The Office also received recognition in the Election Administration category for “Transparent by Design: Idaho’s Interactive Election Data Initiative,” which highlights the interactive data dashboards available on VoteIdaho.gov. The dashboards transform official election and campaign finance data into accessible visual tools used by voters, media organizations, and election officials across the state. The VoteIdaho.gov dashboards have received statewide and national attention and are featured in election night news coverage.
“I like to say Idaho is punching above its weight, and this recognition reflects the incredible work being done by our team and county clerks across the state,” said Secretary Phil McGrane. “For our work to stand out among a record number of entries and receive two awards is an incredible honor. These awards reflect our commitment to transparency, trusted information, and helping Idaho voters better understand and engage in the election process.”
McGrane also recognized the staff behind the award-winning initiatives.
“Our data dashboards have helped make complex election information more accessible and understandable for voters, media, and policymakers,” McGrane said. “Gabe Osterhout’s work and creativity in building these tools has drawn attention both here in Idaho and nationally. I also want to recognize former Policy Director Jason Lehosit for helping lead the collaboration with county clerks to articulate our shared commitment to Idaho voters through the 12 Principles framework.”
EAC Chairman Thomas Hicks, Vice Chair Christy McCormick, and Commissioner Ben Hovland issued the following joint statement:
“We congratulate this year’s Clearinghouse Award winners for their exceptional programs. We received nearly 200 entries from across the country, and these were the most innovative and creative ways state and local election officials supported voters in 2025. The winning programs also stood out because they can be replicated and scaled to meet the needs of other election offices, regardless of size or resources, for future elections.
This is a special year for the Clearinghouse Awards, not only for the caliber of the winners but also for the 10th anniversary of the awards. Over the past decade, we have seen shining examples of election officials’ creativity, spirit, and drive to serve their communities. This year is no different. The EAC is pleased to provide a national platform and commemorate their hard work.”
The Clearies help fulfill the EAC’s mission under the Help America Vote Act to serve as a national clearinghouse for election administration information and best practices. More information about the Clearinghouse Awards and this year’s recipients is available at EAC.gov.
About Phil McGrane
Phil McGrane was elected Idaho’s twenty-eighth Secretary of State and took office on January 2, 2023. McGrane served as elected Clerk of Ada County from 2019-2022. McGrane holds a bachelor's degree in philosophy, a juris doctorate, and a Master of Public Administration. As a fourth-generation Idahoan, Phil has dedicated his career to making elections in the state of Idaho accessible, secure and transparent.
