I n order for democracy to work, voters must have a knowledge of the candidates and an awareness and understanding of the issues. In Kansas, the Johnson County Election Office Web site is a means of fostering that education and promoting voter interest. Education Educating voters about the voting and election process is a top priority for Schmidt and her staff. For Johnson County's voters, the site offers voter registration information, sample ballots, poll locations, candidate biographies and pending legislation. The Web is the first place that we put up our election results.
Education also extends to prospective candidates.
As part of this process, the Election Office uses the site as part of its Student and Community Outreach programs. Informing and working with youths has been a key element in the Election Office's educational goal. Staff members regularly visit schools and teach students how the electoral process works by running mock elections and voting on a machine provided by the Election Office. A description of the project and the results of each election are then posted in the Student Outreach area of the site. In addition, the site features descriptions of the program and how people can get involved.