Martinez Tribune The website of the Martinez Tribune.
By DAVID SCHOLZ
Martinez Tribune
MARTINEZ, Calif. – With two elections on the docket for 2016, the coming year is already setting up to be an exciting one in the Contra Costa County Election Offices. And to county residents more involved in the process, officials kicked off the year by launching a photo contest.
One of the unique features of the Contra Costa Elections Division Sample Ballot/Voter Information Guide has been to feature a photo to show some of the intrinsic beauty of our county and enhance the experience of voters.
Paul Burgarino, community education and engagement specialist, said this county is one of the few – if any – counties in California to have a photo on the covers of their June and November Voter Information Guides.
“Hopefully getting our residents involved in the election process months before Election Day will help them be engaged in local issues and pique their interest in voting,” Registrar of Voters Joe Canciamilla said. “Plus, it’s a way to showcase the flavor and flair of where we live.”
This first time contest is free and open to all county residents.
It’s just one week into the contest and so far 20 submissions have been received.
“Our goal is getting our residents involved in the process in January and February,’’ said Burgarino. “It creates a buzz or excitement, and is a way for voters to have a tangible impact.’’
“One of our goals was to create innovative, outside the box (programs) to increase turnout,’’ he added.
The deadline is midnight Feb. 29. Submissions can be sent to outreach@vote.cccounty.us; include “Photo Contest Entry” in the subject line.
Rules for the contest require that applicants submit a black-and-white picture in a JPEG format, along with a 50-100 word description about their photo. Applicants can submit two photos, but must distinguish which entry is for June and which is for November.
Participants must also sign a release form giving the County permission to use the photograph. The form can be accessed through the following link: http://www.cocovote.us/current-election/sample-ballot-photo-contest/.
The first, second and third place winners for each election will have their pictures posted in the election office lobby and on the office’s website, along with receiving a special election pin for their participation. The first place winner will have their picture on the Voter Guide, which goes to 500,000-plus voters and as the back drop of the website.
“If you are an amateur photographer, it gives you some exposure,’’ Burgarino said.
