GeoElections Project: Geographic Technology for Better Elections

Type of Activity: Project Grant
Grantee: National States Geographic Information Council 
Amount: Updated to $400,000 in 2021 — originally approved as $300,000 in 2019 over two years.

What is the GeoElections Project?

The GeoElections Project, led by the National States Geographic Information Council (NSGIC), aims to improve geographic technology for better elections. The effort will tap state-level geospatial information officers, election directors, and other subject matter experts to champion the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) map technology. 

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are technologically advanced computer systems that use data to describe the earth’s surface and analyze the relationships between locations. Digital map representations of precinct boundaries are more transparent and easier to use for election administrative purposes. For this project, NSGIC will develop and promote best practices for leveraging GIS in district creation, maintenance, and voter placement.

Why do we think this project is a good idea?

Democracy Fund Voice supports NSGIC’s efforts to facilitate the adoption of geographic information systems and related processes to enhance election management and citizen engagement across the United States.

Providing additional states and localities with the information they require to utilize mapping technology will lead to more accurate and accessible electoral databases and help further innovate elections management best practices.

How is Democracy Fund Voice supporting the project?

In 2019, Democracy Fund Voice approved a grant to the National States Geographic Information Council of $300,000 over two years. In 2021 an amendment was approved to increase the amount of the grant by $100,000 for a total of $400,000. A previous grant of $300,000 over two years was approved in 2017.